Manitoba’s election commissioner says government violated ban on election promotion

from Manitoba commissioner of elections ruled that the government violated an election ban on advertising by inviting reporters to an event with Prime Minister Heather Stefanson.

Commissioner Bill Bowles adds, however, that he does not believe the breach was intentional and that it was extremely unlikely that it would have had any material effect on the outcome of the vote.

The controversy stems from an announcement by WestJet last March that it would expand service to Winnipeg.

Stefanson was part of the announcement and her press secretary had contacted some media outlets in advance to let them know about the event.

At the time, a by-election campaign was underway in Winnipeg’s Fort Whyte constituency, an old Tory seat that the party narrowly won again.

Bowles said the press secretary’s actions violated a restriction on government promotion and advertising during election periods because the prime minister’s office used government resources, not party resources.

“It is my understanding that the purpose of Section 92 (of the Election Financing Act) is to prevent the party in power, which has access to massive public resources, from gaining an electoral advantage by using those resources to help them get their message across. to bring out. Bowles wrote in his decision released this week.

“However, I should note that I do not believe the breach was intentional. The nature of (Press Secretary Olivia) Billson’s job requires her to be in regular contact with the press, and complying with Section 92 during an election period would, I suspect, be extremely difficult for her.

Billson was one of the longest-serving Tory associates, serving as press secretary to both Stefanson and former Prime Minister Brian Pallister since 2016. She retired from government this spring and received $35,959 severance pay, according to county figures. indicate sector disclosure web page.

The ban on government advertising during general elections or midterm elections does not cover all forms of announcements or communications. There are exceptions for things like bills and public safety announcements. Prime ministers and ministers are also allowed to promote their speeches and invite people to listen to their speeches, as long as no government funds are used.

The Fort Whyte by-election was called to fill Pallister’s seat following his resignation in 2021. Obby Khan retained the seat for the Tories, beating the Liberal candidate Willard Reaves by 197 votes.