NDP, unions deny UCP accusations of illegal third-party advertising

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Alberta’s United Conservative Party has requested Elections Alberta launch an investigation into three unions it alleges are running illegal third-party advertising campaigns benefiting the NDP.

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It’s an accusation both the NDP and the unions named say is baseless.

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The UCP on Wednesday released two letters sent by its executive director Dustin Van Vugt to Elections Alberta, charging a “coordinated campaign” was occurring to benefit Rachel Notley’s NDP ahead of the May 29 provincial election.

The letters name the Alberta Federation of Labour, CUPE Alberta and the Alberta Teachers Association as unions which the UCP allege are operating in contravention of provincial election financing legislation.

Van Vugt called on Elections Alberta to immediately restrict each group from advertising, arguing a failure to do so would threaten the integrity of the election.

“A failure to do so will cause irreparable harm to the election and taint the results of the election in favour of the NDP,” Van Vugt wrote.

In a statement to Postmedia, Elections Alberta said they were “unable to comment on allegations that we may or may not have received, or investigations we may or may not be conducting.”

No illegal activity occurring, says NDP

The UCP’s allegations largely centre on the unions’ affiliations with the Alberta NDP. Notley said Tuesday her party’s relationship with trade unions has changed over the years as financing laws have been amended, but said the party has a practice of having at least one union representative on its executive, and has a labour caucus among groups which have a voice in party governance.

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Responding to the UCP letters Wednesday, Calgary-Mountain View NDP candidate Kathleen Ganley said those union relationships are above board.

“We are not engaged in any illegal activity. We are simply standing up for working people,” Ganley said.

Ganley pointed to UCP relationships she said described as inappropriate, saying Smith “associates with extremists.” She singled out Smith’s promises to make inquiries to Alberta Crown prosecutors on behalf of Artur Pawlowski, the Calgary street pastor since convicted for his role in the Coutts border blockade.

The UCP said the law they believe is being violated is a section of the Election Finances and Contribution Disclosure Act which prohibits third-party advertisers deemed by the chief electoral office to be affiliated with a registered political party.

The party also raised several concerns over the funding and disclosure of election advertising contributions and spending in their two letters, dated May 2 and May 9.

Unions bristle at allegations

In a statement to Postmedia, Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) president Gil McGowan said the UCP’s letters amount to “a series of unfounded and unproven allegations, all of which are untrue and some of which are arguably libelous.”

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He said the AFL has complied with legal spending and disclosure requirements, and argued the UCP’s complaints are a deflection tactic during a campaign week which has seen Smith face criticism for unearthed 2021 comments comparing vaccinated Albertans to Nazi followers.

“I also want to stress that it is the job of the Alberta Federation of Labour to stand up for the working Albertans we represent — and that is exactly what we’re doing,” McGowan said. The AFL has run multiple advertising campaigns urging voters against re-electing Smith.

“Workers have the right to join together and participate in their democracy. The fact that the UCP thinks this should be stopped says more about them than it does about us.”

The Alberta Teachers’ Association, which last week released election demands centred on addressing growing class sizes, said in a statement it is a non-partisan organization and doesn’t have formal ties or affiliation with the NDP.

The teachers’ union said it has ensured its current advertising is compliant with election financing law, adding it would cooperate with Elections Alberta if it decides to start an investigation.

“Our campaign does not promote or oppose any party,” the ATA said. It said education is a topic that holds importance for voters across party lines.

“An issue that is associated with all parties cannot be considered to be associated with any individual party.”

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Twitter: @jasonfherring