Denis Hall remains a “legitimate candidate” for voters and could be elected in the upcoming Saskatoon civic election, despite dropping out of the race for a seat on the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) board.
Hall announced the decision Monday after the public learned of his 1981 conviction on two charges of having sexual intercourse with girls aged 14 to 16.
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The Local Government Election Act requires candidates to withdraw from the race within 24 hours of the end of the nomination period.
“Mr. Hall did not file by this time. Furthermore the ballots have been printed and voting has begun. He is a legitimate candidate,” said Saskatoon returning officer Catherine Folkersen in an email.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and the school division voiced concerns over Hall, who received a pardon in 1994.
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While the GSCS stated it has “no legal recourse and is bound by the legislation,” officials said steps have been taken in the past to prevent Hall and his youth sports program, YAS, from accessing students and facilities.
Hall ran unsuccessfully for the GSCS board in 2003.
With files from Dave Giles and The Canadian Press