MP Jaime Battiste has been fined four times for breaking election rules during his 2019 Liberal nomination campaign in Nova Scotia. Federal Elections Commissioner Caroline Simard revealed that Battiste was fined a total of $600 for various violations. These violations included exceeding the maximum donation limit to his campaign, depositing campaign contributions into his personal bank account, personally covering campaign expenses, and submitting a declaration to Elections Canada with false information.
Individuals are limited to donating $1,600 per year to a political candidate or party, with candidates allowed an additional $1,000 contribution. It was discovered that Battiste had donated over $4,000 to his own campaign during the nomination phase. Furthermore, he received donations totaling more than $8,000 in his personal bank account before transferring the funds to the official campaign account. According to Canadian election regulations, only a candidate’s financial agent can accept campaign donations.
In addition, only the financial agent is permitted to make payments for campaign expenses. Nonetheless, it was found that Battiste used his personal credit card to cover various expenses amounting to over $700. Battiste acknowledged the errors made during the 2019 nomination process, stating that corrective actions were promptly taken by both himself and his financial agent.
Despite the violations, Battiste emphasized that he has learned from past mistakes and has successfully participated in subsequent elections. Simard reduced the fines considering mitigating circumstances, noting that Battiste cooperated with the investigation. Battiste confirmed that he has fully settled the fines imposed on him.
