Statement by NDP National Director, Nathan Rotman on CRTC agreement and Administrative Monetary Penalty

In January 2012, the NDP authorized a campaign that encouraged MP Lise St. Denis to step down and face re-election after defecting to another party.

The campaign was focused on giving voters a voice, and it included telephone calls encouraging people in the riding to have their say.

The NDP acknowledged at the time that these calls were made on our behalf as part of a political campaign to raise awareness about Ms. St-Denis' betrayal of the people of Saint-Maurice-Champlain. We did, however, fail to identify ourselves as the purchaser of the call on the message, as is required by CRTC regulations.

As we stated publicly at the time, we apologize for the error and are committed to ensuring it does not happen again.

The NDP has paid the appropriate penalty and taken immediate action to ensure all future voicemail broadcast campaigns are in compliance with CRTC regulations.

Taking full responsibility in such matters is essential to ensuring political parties are accountable to Canadians. Unfortunately, Stephen Harper and his Conservatives have yet to figure that out.