Nova Scotia Liberal MP Jaime Battiste has been ordered to pay a $600 penalty for breaching federal election rules during his successful 2019 campaign. The penalties stem from two violations of the Canada Elections Act uncovered by Elections Canada investigators.
The first violation involved Battiste's campaign accepting a prohibited contribution from Sydney River- Mira- Louisbourg Conservative Association. The second infraction concerned the improper reporting of expenses related to a campaign event held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.
According to the compliance agreement made public this week, Battiste has acknowledged both violations and agreed to the financial penalty. The MP for Sydney—Victoria cooperated fully with Elections Canada officials throughout the investigation process.
"Mr. Battiste acknowledges that he failed to exercise due diligence to ensure that the electoral campaign return he filed for his campaign was complete and accurate," stated the official compliance agreement document.
This case highlights the strict regulations governing campaign financing in Canadian federal elections. All political contributions must come from permissible sources, and campaigns are required to maintain accurate financial records of all expenses and donations.
Despite these violations, Battiste successfully won the Sydney—Victoria riding in the 2019 federal election and continues to serve as the constituency's representative in Parliament. The Liberal MP has not made any public statements regarding the fines at this time.
