Mr. Speaker, when financing their leadership campaigns, the Liberal leader and his opponents received millions of dollars from wealthy and powerful individuals.
The Canada Elections Act clearly stated that loans taken out during the leadership race must be paid back within 18 months or they become illegal donations over the donation limit. The June 3 deadline is fast approaching. Some have speculated Elections Canada may extend the period to repay the loans.
According to Duff Conacher, "Elections Canada will be acting unethically and undemocratically if it lets any of the Liberal leadership candidates extend their loans past the 18-month deadline”.
Will the Liberal leadership contestants skirt contribution limits, thus breaking the law, through massive personal loans from wealthy, powerful individuals by not repaying their loans on time? Will Elections Canada give special treatment to the Liberal Party by extending the deadline?