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.
The New Democrats alleged that Festeryga – who ended up withdrawing her own candidacy soon after – was fraudulently registered with signatures gathered in support of the previous candidate.
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.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2022.
