Or more appropiately, two allegations of fraud have been charged against Carleton-Victoria candidate Andrew Harvey, his brother, and their father, the former Liberal MLA B. Fred Harvey. The RCMP allege that the family has defrauded the New Brunswick government of more than $5000. This turn of events has turned the Liberal campaign on its head.
Liberal leader Brian Gallant has said of the events that he was disappointed Harvey didn’t disclose this to him or the Liberal team. Gallant made the decision to temporarily suspend Harvey from the Liberal caucus until after the court hearing in hopes that Harvey will be found innocent. If he is not, then Harvey will be suspended indefinitely.
The Progressive Party wasted no time in attacking the Liberals and their leader while avoiding any direct chastizing of the Harvey family. David Alward has said to the CBC that Gallant’s decision will reflect his leadership, but chose not to condemn Harvey himself. He also said that the vetting process to become a PC candidate is strenuous and includes criminal background checks. PC candidate for Carleton-Victoria, Colin Lockhart said that he knows Harvey and hopes that all of this will pass for him and the family.
Carleton-Victoria is also being contested by NDP candidate Joe Gee, who said that this doesn’t change what the election is about and that he will continue to push ahead.
More to come on the riding and updates on the status of Harvey’s candidacy.
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