TORONTO — Ontario's chief electoral officer has found an "apparent contravention" of the Election Act by a former Liberal candidate in this year's provincial election. The NDP had filed a complaint with Elections Ontario after Audrey Festeryga stepped in to run for the Liberals in Chatham-Kent-Leamington after the party dropped the previous candidate mid-campaign. Elections Ontario now says it has reviewed the evidence and found an "apparent contravention" of a section of the Election Act relating to false or misleading information that carries a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine. Elections Ontario says the matter has been reported to the Ministry of the Attorney General and it may be investigated and prosecuted. The Liberals said in a statement that they are aware of Elections Ontario's communications on this matter, but they have no further comment because it has been referred to the attorney general.

Source: thestar September 23, 2022 00:00 UTC