United Food And Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Canada president Wayne Hanley issued a press release after it was reported the Conservative Party wrote to Elections Canada asking for an investigation into an alleged sponsorship infringement at the last NDP convention in Vancouver.
"UFCW Canada respected every rule and regulation in an open and completely transparent manner," Hanley said. "It is cynical timing, so typical of the Conservatives, to launch this smear on working Canadians and their unions on the eve of the annual celebration of the achievements of the labour movement."
The Conservat ive Party released a letter to the media Sunday from party lawyer Arthur Hamilton, who had written to Marc Mayrand, the chief electoral officer of Canada. "This signage specifically thanks various union organizations including USW, UFCW, STRATCOM, PSAC, CUPE, IAFF and the Machinist Union. An incorporated entity, Thistle Printing, is also identified and acknowledged for its sponsorship of the convention," the letter states.
According to the Canada Elections Act, unions and corporate entities are not allowed to make contributions to a registered party, association, candidate, leadership candidates or nomination seekers.
Bob Gallagher, a spokesman with the United Steelworkers union, told QMI Agency no rules were broken.
"United Steelworkers are well aware of the restrictions on union or corporate donations to federal parties and candidates, and is extremely careful to stay within both the spirit and letter of the law. The union does not make contributions to federal candidates or parties," he said.
The NDP maintains no spons orship infringements were made.
Elections Canada could not be reached for comment.
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