Yes, it is a bit like dangling a carrot on a stick. You are allowed to seek an extension, yet you are subject to a $500-penalty. If the reasons for the extension request seem reasonable in the eyes of Elections Canada or a court—because a court can also grant an extension—the extension is legally sound. If it is legally sound, I do not see why the person seeking an extension should be penalized. It makes no sense to me. If the extension request is far-fetched or unwarranted, it will be denied. In that case, I would be in favour of imposing some consequences, but if the request is granted, I do not see why a person would be penalized for making a request that has been deemed valid, logical and acceptable.
On November 2nd, 2010. See this statement in context.