Disgraced MP begins by-election campaign before Elections Canada can investigate.
by Samantha Bayard
Former intergovernmental affairs minister Peter Penashue stepped down last Thursday after revelations his 2011 election campaign received ineligible contributions. Penashue has placed the blame on having an inexperienced volunteer act as his official agent. He is already planning to win back his seat in a bi-election in Labrador.
Penashue won his seat by fewer than 100 votes over Liberal Todd Russell in 2011. An Elections Canada review after the fact showed Penashue spent $4,000 over his limit of just under $84,500.
The act of stepping down connotes an acceptance of responsibility on Penashue's part — but the Conservative party is being unclear.
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair said, "They’re called illegal contributions. I know that the Conservatives have that one stuck in their throat like a bone but we’re going to keep reminding them that these were illegal corporate gifts to one of their candidates. So he’s done the decent thing, he’s stepped down. But then on Saturday, he said he’s stepping down but he didn’t do anything wrong. The Conservatives stood up in the House today and said he’s admitted he’s done something wrong. Both of those statements cannot be true."
Tom Mulcair calls for clarity on the circumstances of Peter Penashue's illegal campaign donations.
Heritage Minister James Moore said in the House, "Mr. Penashue has taken responsibility for mistakes that were made on his campaign and a byelection will be called."
Scott Andrews, Liberal MP for Avalon sees this as a trend. "The Conservative Party never admits defeat, never admits wrongdoing and this is just another example. Even in his apology: 'I’m sorry but I didn’t nothing wrong.' Like he didn’t even come out and apologize for what he did wrong. He’s still letting his financial agent take the blame. They never say I’m sorry."
There is speculation about the timing of the Penashue affair. Some say the MP he knew about the review — and began his by-election campaign — well before stepping down.
Liberal Scott Andrews says the Conservatives never say "Sorry." 
"It’s very suspicious the timing of all this. Why announce on Thursday when Elections Canada was going to post the information? This is well orchestrated. Why wouldn’t they wait for Elections Canada to come out?" said Andrews.
It is possible the matter could end up in court. If Penashue is found guilty, then he will not be eligible to run again.
"That’s up for Elections Canada and we’ve got to wait and see what Elections Canada is going to say and what charges might be pending from Elections Canada. They’re the ones that make those decisions and it goes to the Crown prosecutor," said Andrews.
About Samantha Bayard
Samantha Bayard is a young journalist living and working out of Ottawa. She has been a contributor to the Straight Goods News family of websites since 2009. She is an avid cyclist and lover of animals.
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