Quebec union fined for violating federal election rules

The largest labour union in Quebec has been fined for violating financing rules during the snap election called by Justin Trudeau during the height of COVID hysteria.

 

Erman Gunes - stock.adobe.com

The Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), Quebec’s largest labour federation, has been penalized for breaking federal election financing rules during the 2021 federal election.

According to the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections, the FTQ failed to open a dedicated bank account for its election activities, as required under subsection 358.1(1) of the Canada Elections Act.

Instead, partisan advertising expenses totalling $8,568.28 were not paid through the mandatory account.

On November 16, 2023, FTQ financial agent Sylvain Martin confirmed to investigators that no such account had ever been created.

The Commissioner found there were “reasonable grounds” to conclude the FTQ contravened the Act.

An aggravating factor in the case was the union’s prior history of non-compliance: it received a caution letter in 2021 for earlier election law violations during the 43rd federal general election.

As a mitigating factor, the FTQ was noted to have cooperated fully once the latest investigation began.

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Sheila Gunn Reid

Chief Reporter

Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.

https://mybook.to/sheila

COMMENTS

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  • Bruce Atchison
    commented 2025-08-21 20:05:56 -0400
    Unions must be banned from any political activity. It’s not their job to change policy. They get dues to represent workers to the bosses. Unions must stay in their lane.