Peter Penashue to run in Labrador riding in federal election
Former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Penashue, who quit politics in 2013 after allegations surfaced of irregularities in his campaign spending, will officially announce Friday morning that he'll run in the upcoming federal election.
The news slipped out Thursday when his name appeared on the Conservative Party's website, and was later confirmed by party sources.
After resigning his seat, the first Innu cabinet minister in Canadian history ran as a candidate in a byelection held on May 13, 2013, and was defeated by Liberal challenger Yvonne Jones.
"He is free to run if he qualifies under Elections Canada guidelines, I certainly have no trust in Penashue and that view is shared by many Labradorians," Jones told CBC News in an email.
"It is a democratic country where people are free to run and free to choose. I am not preoccupied by my competitors, but rather engaged in issues that are important to Labradorians."
Attempts by CBC News to contact Penashue at his home on Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Reg Bowers, who acted as Penashue's official agent in the 2011 election campaign, faces three charges under the Canada Elections Act. They relate to allegations the campaign took illegal contributions from corporations and accepted discounted airfares. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 8 to enter a plea.
