Ted Opitz Responds to Court Decision оn Election Results

[NP - Re Ontario Superior Court Justice Thomas Lederer’s May 18, 2012 judgement in that he found problems with how Elections Canada ran the 2011 federal election in the riding of Etobicoke Centre, and declared the election results null and void.]

May 28, 2012 - Etobicoke Centre Member of Parliament Ted Opitz has issued the following statement in regards to the decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice:

“This is the first time this section of the Elections Act has been considered by a court, and it is important that it be given the fullest consideration because of its significant impact on our democratic system.

The court made it very clear that there was no wrongdoing by any candidate. Fifty-two thousand people in Etobicoke Centre followed the rules and cast their ballots.  Their democratic choice has been called into question by the decision relating to 0.15% of those ballots.

There is an automatic right to appeal the decision directly to the Supreme Court of Canada. Parliament has intended that the final decision on such a significant matter of national importance should be made by the Supreme Court of Canada.  I will be appealing the decision to let the Supreme Court of Canada decide.  It is in the public interest that election results be respected and that voters not be disenfranchised.

The legal grounds for the appeal will be argued in court. My focus will continue to be on doing my job.  As I have done for the past year, I will continue working hard on behalf of my constituents in Etobicoke Centre.”