N.S. Liberals allege voter bribery after PC candidate handed out $2 Tim Hortons gift cards
The Nova Scotia Liberals are embroiled in a legal battle with a Progressive Conservative candidate over allegations of voter bribery. The controversy began when Susan Corkum-Greek’s campaign distributed gift cards at a Tim Hortons in Lunenburg, N.S., prompting the Liberals to file a complaint with Elections Nova Scotia.
The Liberals are seeking to have Corkum-Greek removed from the ballot for violating the Nova Scotia Elections Act, which prohibits offering bribes to influence voters. The PC campaign manager in Lunenburg admitted to purchasing $51.75 worth of gift cards to distribute to Tim Hortons patrons, each valued at $2.07 – the price of a small coffee. Following the revelation, the manager resigned, expressing regret for causing a distraction to the candidate.
In response, the Liberals filed a petition under the Controverted Elections Act, alleging corrupt practices by Corkum-Greek’s campaign. The petition aims to disqualify her from being eligible for election or serving in the House of Assembly. However, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court has postponed the hearing until after the election on Nov. 26.
PC Leader Tim Houston has defended Corkum-Greek, shifting blame onto a “party volunteer” and accusing the Liberals of weaponizing the legal system. He downplayed the significance of the gift cards, emphasizing the volunteer’s mistake and portraying it as a minor issue. In contrast, the Liberals argue that any form of bribery undermines the integrity of the electoral process and democracy.
Despite Elections Nova Scotia investigating the incident, the agency lacks the authority to address the issue beyond referring it for prosecution. The Liberals are calling on Houston to remove Corkum-Greek as a candidate, offering to withdraw their court petition if he complies. The petition was filed by John Robart, president of the Liberal electoral district association for Lunenburg, against Corkum-Greek in Bridgewater.
The outcome of this legal dispute will have significant implications for the upcoming provincial election and the broader political landscape in Nova Scotia. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
