Liberal MP George Chahal won’t say if taxpayer funds spent on pre-election ads
Signs emblazoned with Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal’s face and the House of Commons logo have popped up in Calgary, leading to accusations that the federal politician was using public funds.
Signs emblazoned with Calgary Skyview Liberal MP George Chahal’s face and the House of Commons logo have popped up in Calgary, leading to accusations that the federal politician was using public funds to sidestep political advertising rules just before a federal election.
Chahal’s signs, which display slogans like “Canada is not for sale!” alongside the House of Commons logo, have prompted concerns about whether current election laws are too easily skirted. The signs also refer to his official title as “Member of Parliament Calgary Skyview.” Some online have suggested that taxpayers might be footing the bill.
Federal laws exist that prohibit the unauthorized use of official symbols including parliamentary shields, crests and royal coats of arms.
While Elections Canada does not regulate the use of parliamentary resources outside of election periods, MPs are expected to avoid using taxpayer-funded resources for partisan purposes. Once the writ is issued, the Canada Elections Act prohibits using public funds for campaign advertising.
According to Elections Canada, “election advertising is the transmission to the public of an advertising message promoting or opposing the election of a candidate or a registered party during the election period.”
Rules on how MPs may spend parliamentary budgets outside of election periods are governed by the House of Commons Board of Internal Economy, which prohibits using resources for activities unrelated to a member’s parliamentary functions.
Chahal has previously fallen afoul of breaking election advertising laws. In 2021, he was caught on video removing an opponent’s flyer from a resident’s home and replacing it with his own. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections fined him $500 for violating election advertising laws.
Chahal has also been an outspoken critic of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s policies, particularly her government’s $8 million ad campaign opposing the federal net-zero electricity regulations.
He equated Smith warning people about the federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations as “misinformation.” Despite Chahal’s claims, the Alberta Electric System Operator reported that the regulations would cost Albertans $30 billion between 2024 and 2049 and do little to reduce emissions.
The province has gone as far as threatening a court battle against the Liberals to combat the regulations.
True North has reached out to Elections Canada to clarify whether Chahal’s signs violate any campaign finance rules. Additionally, True North has requested comment from Chahal on whether his signs were funded through parliamentary budgets and how he responds to concerns they constitute pre-election campaigning on the taxpayers’ dime.
Elections Canada and MP Chahal did not respond to the requests.
From the photo it is clear that Carney is at ease when dealing with people with priors and, apparently, currents.