Court rejects indebted Liberal leadership candidates’ pleas for extension

OTTAWA – A top Ontario court has turned down three failed Liberal leadership candidates in their request for an extension to pay their 2006 campaign expenses.

Hedy Fry, Martha Hall Findlay and Joe Volpe are still tens of thousands of dollars in debt as a result of their campaigns to lead the Liberal party, and asked for more time to pay.

But an Ontario Superior Court justice says they’re not allowed any more extensions to come up with the cash.

Elections Canada says its commissioner will have to decide what steps to take next.

Failure to pay can bring a fine of $1,000 or up to three months in jail, but Hall Findlay says she believes she can work out a compromise with Elections Canada.