Elections watchdog mum on Findlay complaint but says law would require notice of investigation
The federal elections watchdog won’t confirm an investigation into Kerry-Lynne Findlay but cited a legal requirement to notify individuals under investigation.
A spokesperson for the federal elections commissioner cited legislation, saying their office could not confirm whether there is an active investigation into B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Kerry-Lynne Findlay. However, they said if there were, Findlay would have to be notified.
Juno News reached out to Findlay before publication to ask whether she had received any notice from the commissioner since yesterday.
“No,” Findlay replied.
Her response remains unchanged since Business in Vancouver published a commentary piece on May 20 by Rob Shaw, which claimed Findlay was “under investigation by the federal election watchdog” citing various complaints by unnamed sources. The allegations have not been proven and Findlay maintains they are politically motivated, given her bid for the B.C. Conservative leadership.
“Unproven and anonymous allegations have been leaked to the media at the most politically damaging moment possible, just days before the BC Conservative leadership vote concludes,” Findlay’s campaign manager, Christopher Dyson, said in a statement published yesterday.
The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections, however, told Juno News it could not confirm whether any investigation is underway or whether any letter has been sent to Findlay’s team, citing provisions in the Canada Elections Act. A spokesperson for the commissioner also noted that all complaints undergo an evaluation to determine whether a review or investigation is warranted.
Pierre Verrière, communications adviser for the office, said that if an investigation were taking place, the commissioner would be required by law to notify the person being investigated.
