Elections N.S. investigating PC campaign for handing out gift cards

Elections Nova Scotia is currently conducting an investigation into the campaign activities of PC candidate Susan Corkum-Greek, following allegations that her team distributed gift cards outside a Tim Hortons in Lunenburg, N.S. The Nova Scotia Liberal Party has accused Corkum-Greek of “vote buying,” a violation of section 327 of the Nova Scotia Elections Act which prohibits offering bribes to influence voters.

Liberal Leader Zach Chuchill revealed that the party took action after receiving reports from constituents in Lunenburg. He stated, “We did receive reports in Lunenburg where the Conservative candidate and cabinet minister was handing out gift cards for votes, allegedly. So that certainly is worthy of an investigation by Elections Nova Scotia and we’ll see what Elections Nova Scotia determines.”

In response to the allegations, Peter Zwicker, the PC campaign manager in Lunenburg, admitted to purchasing $51.75 worth of gift cards, each valued at $2.07, to distribute to Tim Hortons patrons. Zwicker clarified that Corkum-Greek was unaware of this action and expressed regret for causing a distraction to the candidate.

Naomi Shelton, director of policy and communications at Elections Nova Scotia, confirmed that the office is looking into the matter. Prior to Zwicker’s resignation, PC Leader Tim Houston dismissed the accusations as frivolous and maintained that the gift card distribution was not a deliberate strategy.

During a campaign event with Corkum-Greek, Houston emphasized that providing coffee at political events is common practice and suggested that the situation may have been misconstrued. He stated, “Would it be fair game for political parties to give out coffee? I would say yes.” Houston clarified that the gift card distribution was not part of the party’s official strategy and that local campaigns have autonomy in decision-making.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Corkum-Greek’s campaign violated election laws. The outcome of Elections Nova Scotia’s inquiry will shed light on the controversy surrounding the distribution of gift cards in Lunenburg.