Ashton only paid $75 in rent for campaign space at Peguis offices

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This article was published 17/06/2015 (3775 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steve Ashton had the use of Peguis First Nation office space on Portage Avenue for two months during his bid for the NDP leadership contest, but financial statements filed by his campaign with Elections Manitoba show he only paid $75 in rent.

The amount is in sharp contrast to the $6,236.50 leadership candidate Theresa Oswald paid in rent for her campaign office in Osborne Village.

And it is sure to be reviewed by Elections Manitoba, which ensures that leadership campaigns, as well as election campaigns, are run fairly.

Ashton was at a loss to explain the low figure on Wednesday.

Premier Greg Selinger has yet to file his financial statement, which was due June 8. He has been given an extension until June 22.

“I didn’t handle any of the financial side of (the campaign), which I don’t in any election,” Ashton said, adding that he would check with his official agent and campaign manager for an explanation.

“My understanding is that they would issue an invoice,” Ashton said of Peguis.

Ashton confirmed he leased space at the Portage Avenue office for about two months. It was a sizable location, where he held several media briefings during his failed leadership bid.

Under Manitoba election law, it is legal only to accept campaign contributions from individuals. Union and corporate donations are not permitted.

Donations in kind, such as the free — or nearly free — use of an office, must be listed with Elections Manitoba.

Alison Mitchell, a spokeswoman for Elections Manitoba, said the two financial statements from leadership candidates that have been received so far are still under review.

She said she could not comment on a specific filing during the review process.

However, she said that sometimes candidates will list their rent under transportation, accommodation and food.

Ashton’s campaign lists $12,517.85 in cash expenses and $3,380.28 in non-monetary expenses in this category, while Oswald lists $10,029.27 in cash expenses only.

Altogether, Ashton’s campaign received $6,819.13 in non-monetary donations, his filing shows, while Oswald received none.

Mitchell said it is fairly common for Elections Manitoba to request further information about a campaign statement.

“The return itself doesn’t give the whole picture, and that is why we have to review the entire file that we receive and sometimes request more information,” she said.

All donations of $250 or more, even non-monetary donations or donations in kind, must be listed, Mitchell said.

Glenn Hudson, who was chief of Peguis First Nation at the time of the NDP leadership, could not immediately reached for comment. Hudson was defeated by Cindy Spence in an election held in late March.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca