Police, elections investigators search firm owned by MP Del Mastro’s cousin

OTTAWA – A company owned by a cousin of Tory MP Dean Del Mastro has been searched as part of an investigation by Canada’s political financing watchdog.

Investigators from the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections and RCMP officers executed a warrant last October at Deltro Electric Ltd., owned by David Del Mastro.

They were looking for evidence in connection with allegations that David Del Mastro and other staff encouraged individuals to contribute $1,000 to the MP’s 2008 election campaign, on the understanding they would be reimbursed $1,050.

Records released by the TD Bank showed that 22 people who contributed to either Dean Del Mastro’s campaign or to the Conservative riding association in Peterborough, Ont. received cheques for $1,050 from Deltro.

The allegations were detailed in documents filed last October in an Ottawa court. No charges have been laid.

Under the Canada Elections Act, it is illegal for a person to donate money under another person’s name or for corporations to make political contributions.