Press Release – Immediate Release

CCN Speaks out about allegations of wrong-doing

The Concerned Citizens of Nanaimo today spoke out about the allegations of wrong-doing in regard to election campaigning.  An advertisement was placed in the Nanaimo Daily News on Thursday 10 November that put forward a slate of candidates that were in support of the Concerned Citizens Campaign and the need for additional consultation on the proposed Uplands Low Barrier housing development.

The CCN placed the ad for publication in the Thursday edition of the Daily News, and following a call from one of the staff reporters, later registered with the Chief Election Officer, Joan Harrison, at City Hall.

When asked if the CCN were aware of their obligation to register, spokesman Bill Inglis said “We were unaware that we were now considered a campaign organization following the publication of the ad.  We immediately contacted City Hall and registered the CCN appropriately as we were obliged to do.”

City Hall gave the CCN the Campaign Oragnizer and Elector Organization Guide which clearly states on page 5 that "Campaign organizers are not required to register as a company or society - however, they are required to provide contact information to the Chief Election Officer as soon as reasonably possible after they have received or spent more than $500 in an general local election".

The CCN believe that they have acted appropriately, and within the legal parameters suggested in the guidebook.  Following the general election on November 19, the financial records for funding the slate will be published, also in accordance with the guide.

The Nanaimo Daily News also reported that a number of black and white cards had been found within yards of advance polling stations, with the same slate of candidates.  When asked, Inglis confirmed that these cards were not commissioned under the CCN campaign, but were circulated by members of the community.

The Concerned Citizens of Nanaimo have heard from sources that the RCMP may have received a complaint regarding the campaign and election advertising and are willing to provide any information and assistance to the RCMP as required should an investigation take place.

For more information, contact Bill INglis at inglis.william@gmail.com