Advertisement

Commissioner finds Manitoba cabinet minister’s constituency group broke rule

Colleen Mayer, MLA for St. Vital, is sworn into cabinet as the new minister of Crown Services during Premier Brian Pallister's cabinet shuffle announced at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg on August 1, 2018.Manitoba's elections commissioner has ruled that a Progressive Conservative constituency association broke the rules when it accepted merchandise for prizes at a golf tournament. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Manitoba’s elections commissioner has ruled that a Progressive Conservative constituency association broke a rule when it accepted merchandise to be used for prizes at a golf tournament.

But Bill Bowles says the infraction was unintentional and does not warrant prosecution.

Bowles investigated a fundraising golf tournament organized last year by the Tory constituency association in St. Vital, a seat held by Crown Services Minister Colleen Mayer.

The tournament gave away prizes donated by the Insurance Bureau of Manitoba and an insurance firm, and staff from the two entities helped out at the event.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Bowles says the arrangement violated the province’s ban on corporate and union donations — only individuals can donate money, goods or services.

Story continues below advertisement

He says the total value of goods and donated staff time was about $850, and the Progressive Conservatives say they accept the ruling and have given back all the contributions.

Sponsored content

AdChoices