MP Jaime Battiste has been fined four times for breaking election regulations during his bid for the Liberal nomination in his Nova Scotia constituency in 2019. Federal Elections Commissioner Caroline Simard revealed that Battiste was penalized a total of $600 for four infractions, which included surpassing the maximum personal donation limit to his campaign, receiving campaign contributions in his personal bank account, personally covering some campaign expenses, and submitting a deceptive declaration to Elections Canada.
Individuals are limited to donating $1,600 annually to a political candidate or party, with candidates allowed an additional $1,000 contribution. Simard discovered that Battiste had donated over $4,000 to his campaign during the nomination phase. Additionally, Battiste took in more than $8,000 in donations in his personal bank account before transferring the funds to his campaign account. According to Canadian election regulations, only a candidate’s financial agent can accept campaign donations.
Moreover, only the financial agent is permitted to make payments for campaign expenses. Yet, Simard found that Battiste used his personal credit card to cover several expenses, totaling over $700. Battiste acknowledged making errors during the 2019 nomination process in a statement to CBC News, mentioning that corrective actions were promptly taken by both himself and his financial agent.
Expressing pride in subsequently contesting and winning three elections, Battiste highlighted his approval as a candidate for the 2025 leadership bid. Simard reduced the fines due to mitigating circumstances, citing Battiste’s cooperation with the investigation. Battiste confirmed that he has settled the fines in full.