Yukoner to lead Conservative investigation of Eve Adams controversy

OTTAWA – A Conservative party member in Yukon has been tasked with sorting out an ugly nomination battle in suburban Toronto.

Michael Lauer of Whitehorse is heading up the probe into allegations by the Oakville North-Burlington riding association that MP Eve Adams has abused her position and behaved poorly in her bid to represent the riding in 2015.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper instructed the party to investigate after his office received a letter of complaint signed by 14 of the association’s board members.

Lauer, the head of one of the party’s internal committees, began emailing members of the riding association board to gather information.

Adams is running against Natalia Lishchyna, a local chiropractor who is supported by most of the board.

Among the allegations against Adams is that she was verbally abusive to members during a tense meeting last month, an incident she says has been exaggerated to benefit her rival.