A legal representative advocating for a former Bloc Quebecois Member of Parliament, who lost her seat by a single vote in the recent federal election, argues that a new election is necessary. The proceedings began in St-Jerome, Que., where Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné is contesting the outcome in the Terrebonne riding, located north of Montreal.
The legal challenge arose after a local resident, claiming to have voted for the Bloc, disclosed that her special ballot was rejected due to an address error on the envelope provided by Elections Canada. Incumbent MP Sinclair-Desgagné was defeated by Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste by a solitary vote in the April 28 election.
Stephane Chatigny, representing Sinclair-Desgagné, asserts that the voter’s rights under the Charter were breached as her ballot was not included in the count. Chatigny argues for a re-election in the riding, citing potential impacts on other voters, as 16 additional special ballots were not returned by the specified deadline.