USE OF DIRTY TRICKS TO DISRUPT VOTERS SHAMEFUL: NDP

Harper must answer for use of voter suppression tactics by Conservative-linked firm

 

February 23, 2012

OTTAWA – New Democrats are condemning the Conservatives for having launched an apparent dirty tricks campaign during the last campaign.

Reports out today link harassing election robocalls to RackNine Inc of Edmonton and to the Conservative Party of Canada.

"Cynical old-style politics have become a trademark for the Conservatives," said New Democrat leader Nycole Turmel. "Just a few months ago they pled guilty to breaking election spending laws, now they’ve upped the ante with what looks like the most widespread and systematic voter suppression campaign in Canadian history."

Elections Canada documents link RackNine to the Prime Minister’s own reelection campaign, as well as the campaigns of three cabinet ministers and at least six other Conservatives.

Documents from Stephen Harper’s own riding association show that the national Conservative campaign used the company for automated calling.

NDP Ethics Critic Charlie Angus and Treasury Board critic Alexandre Boulerice have sent letters of complaint to the Commissioner of Elections and the RCMP, urging them to conduct a full investigation and charge those responsible.

"These tactics are a disgrace and those responsible must be held to account,“ said Turmel. "The Conservatives were elected to clean up the Liberal-style scandals. Instead, they’ve made scandals of their very own."