Originally published March 27, 2019.
Alberta’s election commissioner has ruled that Hardyal Mann made irregular political contributions, and the Calgary political operative alleges the existence of a plan to commit voter fraud in order to secure the election of Jason Kenney as United Conservative Party leader — a controversy that’s erupting in the midst of a provincial election.
Hardyal (Happy) Mann does not dispute the commissioner’s finding in relation to irregular donations. But he says in a March 24 formal response to the commissioner obtained by CBC News that he “trusted Mr. Jason Kenney, his campaign team, and their judgment” and that he never thought they would “risk breaking any laws.”
“Mr. Kenney and his associates, who were equal participants, will assume high elected seats in our government,” he wrote.
“However, those of us who did the work for them are left with fines, charges and shame. That is not fair.”
The controversy is erupting in the midst of a provincial election, with Albertans set to vote on April 16, and Kenney’s UCP leading by a wide margin in recent polls.
Drew Anderson 