Latest news with #municipalelections
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Scathing rebuke of Ramal's campaign finances in decision letter seeking ‘significant consequences' by the courts
Committee writes letter about referring an audit of former mayoral candidate Khalil Ramal to a special prosecutor for potential legal action. Two days after the Compliance Audit Committee (CAC) referred an audit of former mayoral candidate Khalil Ramal to a special prosecutor for potential legal action, a strongly-worded decision letter details the rationale behind the committee's decision. An audit of Ramal's campaign finances by William Molson concluded that there were a number of apparent violations of the Municipal Elections Act including not including in his filing the names/addresses of donors who gave over $100, exceeding the candidate contribution limit ($25,000) by $11,916.27 and using an unlicensed accountant to confirm the accuracy of the document submitted to the city clerk. The decision letter reads, 'this apparent lack of respect for and/or understanding of the record-keeping and reporting requirements of the Act is of great concern to the Committee.' It goes on to recommend the courts impose a harsh penalty if the Act was violated, 'the public interest warrants significant consequences both to denounce such conduct and to set an example for the Candidate and others in future municipal election cycles.' Penalties for violating the Municipal Elections Act could include: up to $25,000 fine ineligibility to vote or run in next election up to six months in prison forfeiture of your elected office additional fine (amount spending limit exceeded) The letter describes Ramal's use of an unlicensed auditor as 'startling'. It warns that the burden of confirming the accuracy of Financial Statements filed by thousands of candidates across Ontario should not fall on taxpayers. The letter emphasizes the onus is on the use of licensed accounting professionals to ensure public trust in municipal campaign finances, 'The audit requirement of the (Municipal Elections) Act is the cornerstone of the financial accountability and transparency framework established by the Act.' On Wednesday, Ramal challenged the compliance audit's findings during a CAC meeting. 053025 - Ramal audit Committee writes letter about referring an audit of former mayoral candidate Khalil Ramal to a special prosecutor for potential legal action. However, Molson told the committee that Ramal's campaign finances submitted to the city clerk suffered from 'massively incomplete information,' and that much of the campaign's revenue and expenses flowed outside of its dedicated bank account. He told them he was unaware that the individual who audited his campaign's Financial Statement was not licensed at the time. Ramal said he eventually provided Molson with his donors' names and addresses, and claimed that his personal contribution did not exceed the candidate limit because a $21,000 invoice remains unpaid. The committee wasn't swayed by his arguments. In its written decision the committee confirmed, '(We) therefore decided to authorize the commencement of such proceedings by appointing an independent prosecutor.' Molson's examination of available documents, plus telephone and written exchanges with Ramal confirmed several additional violations raised in an initial complaint: A list of financial donations over $100 failed to include the mailing address and/or name of contributor A contribution for $1,495 exceeded the $1,200 limit No expenses were declared for telephone, internet or website hosting fees Expenses of $2,034 and $339 for 'steel' should be subject to the spending limit Other 'revenue not deemed a contribution' lists '3x50' worth $150, which would exceed $25 limit The committee's written decision acknowledged their belief that Ramal did not deliberately disregard the record-keeping and reporting requirements, 'rather, he lacked the ability and knowledge to understand what was required, and he did not have the support of a campaign manager or financial officer who did.' The letter is signed by all three members appointed to the Compliance Audit Committee, Andrew Wright (Chair), Dan Ross (Member), and Christene Scrimgeour (Member). Ramal placed second to Mayor Josh Morgan in the 2022 municipal election receiving almost 23 per cent of the votes cast.
CBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CBC
LaSalle council opts for $100K byelection to replace Sue Desjarlais
The Town of LaSalle has opted to hold a byelection to fill a town council seat left vacant by the passing of longtime councillor Sue Desjarlais in April. Council made the decision at a Tuesday night meeting. They reviewed options including appointments — but ultimately voted in favour of holding a byelection. The tentative date for the byelection is Oct. 20. "Council is committed to ensuring that the residents of LaSalle have a voice and the right to vote for their local government," stated LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche in a media release. "A byelection will allow our community to participate directly in selecting a new representative. It also allows fair opportunity for anyone who is eligible to run for a seat on council." Voting for the Oct. 20 byelection will take place online. The winner will only hold office for roughly a year, since municipal elections are set to take place across Ontario in October 2026. According to a report prepared by staff, it will cost the municipality about $100,000 to conduct the byelection, not including any staffing resources required. If town council had decided to appoint someone for the remainder of the term, administration says the cost would have been "minimal." "A byelection may be the most democratic option to fill the vacancy, but it will also be the most expensive, and by the time the successful candidate is elected, there will only be one year left in the term," the report stated. Desjarlais died on April 21. She was first elected to LaSalle town council in 2006.
LBCI
25-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun praises municipal election success, urges 'teamwork' among new officials
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun congratulated the winners of the recent municipal and mukhtar elections and praised the efforts of the ministries of interior, defense, justice, security forces, and all those involved in the electoral process. The president praised the successful elections, saying they reaffirm the vitality of Lebanese democracy and the people's commitment to building their country. Addressing the newly elected officials, Aoun urged them to live up to their voters' expectations and work together as a team for a stronger, more prosperous Lebanon that honors its sacrifices and rich history. The president also stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes during the election process. He said the government must work diligently to ensure the next parliamentary elections are free from irregularities, which requires reviewing some laws and ensuring readiness in election organization and management.
LBCI
25-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's Interior Ministry releases 2025 municipal election results in Tyre
Lebanon's Ministry of Interior and Municipalities has released the results of the 2025 municipal and mukhtar elections in the Tyre district. To view the full municipal election results, click here.
LBCI
24-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Voter turnout comparison in South Lebanon and Nabatieh: 2016 vs. 2025 as of 7:00 p.m.
According to figures from the Lebanese Interior Ministry, voter turnout in the 2025 municipal and mukhtar elections, as of 7:00 p.m., showed a slight decline in both South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates compared to the 2016 elections.
