Commissioner of Canada Elections Announces the Laying of a Canada Elections Act Charge Following the Investigation of Deceptive Telephone Calls During the May 2011 General Election

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/02/13 --

--  The Commissioner of Canada Elections, Mr. Yves Cote, has announced that
    pursuant to a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions, his
    office has laid a charge under the Canada Elections Act, a federal
    statute.

--  The charge was filed on April 2, 2013 in the Ontario Court of Justice in
    Guelph.

--  Michael Sona is charged with having wilfully prevented or endeavoured to
    prevent an elector from voting at an election, contrary to paragraph
    281(g) of the Canada Elections Act and by doing so committed an offence
    contrary to paragraph 491(3)(d) of the Canada Elections Act.

--  The charge relates to the investigation of deceptive telephone calls
    made to electors in the riding of Guelph during the 41st general
    election of May 2, 2011.

--  On polling day for the May 2, 2011 general election, many electors in
    Guelph reported receiving misleading automated telephone calls falsely
    informing them of changes to their assigned polling station.

--  Any action taken to deliberately misdirect electors and interfere with
    their right to vote under the Constitution and the Canada Elections Act
    is a serious offence. As a result, the Commissioner of Canada Elections
    immediately began investigating and submitted his findings to the
    Director of Public Prosecutions.

--  The Commissioner of Canada Elections is responsible for ensuring that
    the Canada Elections Act and Referendum Act are complied with and
    enforced. The Chief Electoral Officer appoints the Commissioner under
    the Canada Elections Act.

"The strong public reaction to the fraudulent telephone calls made to electors in Guelph during the May 2011 general election shows how deeply disturbed Canadians were by what happened," said Mr. Cote. "I hope that the charge we filed today will send a strong message that such abuses under the Canada Elections Act will not be tolerated."

Contacts:
For information specific to this matter:
Public Prosecution Service of Canada Media Relations
613-954-7803
www.ppsc-sppc.gc.ca

General information:
Elections Canada Media Relations
1-877-877-9515
www.elections.ca