Local

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Ackman can run for MLA despite complaint: lawyer

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 08/24/2012 11:36 AM | Last Modified: 08/24/2012 8:24 PM | Updates

Enlarge Image

Winnipeg Free Press archives Darrell Ackman faces prostitution-related charges.

Related Items

Articles
- Bail revoked for alleged child pornographer

Elections Manitoba has ruled Darrell Ackman, who allegedly recruited girls for the sex trade, can run in the Fort Whyte provincial byelection, Ackman's lawyer said late Friday.

Manitoba’s Elections Commissioner Bill Bowles had said earlier Friday he instructed an investigator to pursue the complaint against Ackman as quickly as possible. Bowles and Elections Manitoba acting manager of elections operations Lisa Kingham said they could not by law comment on the specifics of the complaint.

But Winnipeg property manager Avrom Charach said Friday he filed the complaint Thursday after he found out through the media that his name was on Ackman’s nomination papers without his knowledge.

"I’d like them to quickly figure out whether or not putting my name on a piece of paper is appropriate, and if not, do what they should," Charach said earlier Friday. "My ultimate wish? Get this guy off the ballot."

However, Elections Manitoba ruled Ackman's candidacy could stand, because his nomination papers had 130 names, and only 100 are needed in order to run, said Martin Glazer, Ackman's lawyer.

Charach’s complaint was filed two days before advance polls open Saturday. Voting day is Sept. 4.

Ackman, 43, is on bail after being charged by Winnipeg police earlier this summer for allegedly recruiting girls to appear in porn videos and work in the sex trade.

Ackman has said he entered the race after getting 130 voters in Fort Whyte to sign his nomination papers so he could be a candidate.

Under the Elections Act, nothing prevents the Tuxedo resident from soliciting eligible voters or from having his name appear on the ballot.

The allegations against Ackman have not been proven in court.

History

Updated on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 2:00 PM CDT: Adds details on when decision could be expected.

3:11 PM: updates with comments from Avrom Charach

8:24 PM: Updates with Ackman's lawyer saying candidacy stands.

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.