Elections Canada's interpretation is "absurd", says Maxime Bernier

Maxime Bernier argued on Monday that Elections Canada is restricting freedom of expression if environmental groups can not buy ads that report "alarmism".

The leader of the People's Party of Canada (CPP), who describes himself as a climate-savvy, responded on Twitter to the warning from Elections Canada. The federal agency recently warned charities that ads that would talk about the legitimacy of the fight against climate change – including paid ads in social media – could be seen as partisan, because of the party's position popular, which challenges the climate emergency.

Mr. Bernier, a passionate libertarian of freedom of expression, believes that Elections Canada officials interpret the law "the best they can", but that interpretation "is still absurd".

"The Liberal government has put in place a series of measures that restrict (freedom of expression), including this one," writes Bernier. The law should only regulate really partisan pubs that mention a party or a candidate. "

During the pre-election period, prior to the official launch of the campaign, the law limits any advertising that specifically mentions a candidate or party. Once the campaign is launched, the restrictions also apply to advertisements that promote or contest a question or position taken by a party or candidate. Once the cost of these advertisements has reached $ 500, the third party must register with Elections Canada, produce financial records and reports, and limit the volume of its advertising.

"This article focuses on the climate and the position of the CPP," says Bernier. But there are hundreds of potentially contentious issues that could be considered partisan if one applies the rule systematically. This regulation has no place in a free society. "

Mr. Bernier goes on to ask NDP leader Jagmeet Singh whether he is "systematically against this rule," even if it includes, for example, "groups who promote pipelines, the reduction who denounce socialism ".

The benefits of tobacco?

Natasha Gauthier, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, said the warning on climate change was just one example of an advertisement that could be considered partisan and that any decision on specific activities would be decided in the event by case – and only if there was a complaint. This decision will also be made by the Commissioner of Canada Elections – the "judicial arm" of Elections Canada.

Elections Canada does not know in advance what problems might come up during the election campaign, Gauthier added. For example, the advertisements of an association promoting the benefits of jobs in the forestry sector could be considered partisan if a party suddenly turned these jobs into an election issue, she said.

Ms. Gauthier adds that advertising rules are not new. But the agency's decision to cite climate change as a specific example left environmental groups increasingly confused; some wonder how far the label of "partisan" ads will go.

"It's crazy," said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. "Elections Canada is a sensible organization, so I hope they will clarify and eliminate this decision. If Mr. Bernier suddenly said that smoking is good for your health, asks Ms. May, an organization that promotes tobacco mischief, would she be considered partisan?

The NDP leader also said that "Maxime Bernier denying climate change does not equal a global scientific consensus."

"He is not in favor of discussing the biggest threat mankind faces," Singh wrote on Twitter Monday morning before Bernier's message.

While visiting Quebec City on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would take a close look at the accuracy of Elections Canada, but added that he trusted them to make independent decisions on the Canada Elections Act. "But at the same time, it highlights how frustrating it is that we are still in a debate to see if climate change is real or not, whether we should act or not," said the Liberal leader, interviewed at a press conference.