The Crown prosecuted Dean Del Mastro, a Conservative candidate in the 2008 federal election, and Richard McCarthy, his Official Agent, for violations of the Canada Elections Act.
The charges included incurring election expenses exceeding campaign limits, making personal contributions exceeding limits, and filing false or incomplete election expense returns.
The central issue involved a $21,000 contract with Holinshed Research Group for voter identification and get-out-the-vote calling services during the election period.
The Crown alleged the contract was completed and paid for but not properly declared.
The Defence contended the contract was limited to $1,575 for partial GOTV calling only.
After a 15-day trial, the court found the Crown proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted both accused on multiple counts.
