Patrick Brown has been disqualified as a candidate for leader of the federal Conservative Party.
The party alleges it because of financial violations under the Elections Act.
Election Committee Chair Ian Brodie says in a statement that Brown’s campaign did not satisfy their concerns, forcing them to drop him as a candidate.
“Throughout the investigation into these allegations, the Chief Returning Officer and I have done our best to be fair to the Patrick Brown leadership campaign and provide them with the time they need to substantively refute these allegations,” states Brodie. “We regret having to take these steps, but we have an obligation to ensure that both our Party’s Rules and federal law are respected by all candidates and campaign teams.”
Brodie adds none of the issues has any impact on the integrity of the leadership vote.
The party is now sharing the information it has gathered with Elections Canada, which is now investigating.
Brown’s campaign team says they never had the chance to defend themselves against what they call “anonymous allegations.”
In a statement, the campaign says they were never provided with the full details or evidence surrounding the allegations.
They allege Brown was disqualified to ensure Pierre Poilievre would have enough points to win the leadership race.
“This is reprehensible, undemocratic behaviour that breaks faith with hundreds of thousands of Canadians that embraced Patrick Brown’s for a modern, inclusive Conservative Party. This is an indictment of the CPC, and a party that is not serious about winning a general election,” reads the statement.
Brown and his campaign say they are consulting with their legal team.
(With files from Brad Perry/CHSJ)
