CEP welcomes court decision on Robocalls

OTTAWA  - The Federal Court decision rendered last night is encouraging for the defense of the democratic process in Canada, says the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP). In a decision released last night, Judge Martha Milczynski rejected the Conservatives’ attempt to dismiss the election results challenge taking place in seven ridings.

“There are serious illegal actions that were committed in the last federal election to try and suppress the voter turnout and influence the outcome,” said Dave Coles, National President of CEP. “Last night’s decision is the first step in holding the Conservatives responsible for their dishonest and malicious behaviour.”

The Conservatives have been trying to block a court challenge coordinated and supported by the Council of Canadians. The case challenges results in seven ridings where Conservative candidates won by a slim margin and where there were misleading robocalls during the May 2 2011 federal general election.

“CEP commends the Council of Canadians’ work to protect the integrity of Canada’s electoral process,” added Coles. “Our members will be starting a campaign to collect money in support of the court challenge and we will be talking about this case in communities across the country.”