MP Peter Penashue campaign head apologizes for spending errors, lax reporting

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – The former campaign manager for federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Peter Penashue (pen-ASH-away) has apologized for mistakes and omissions in spending reports.

Reginald Bowers sent a letter to Elections Canada saying record-keeping and budgeting weren’t his “top priority” as he grappled with logistics in Penashue’s sprawling Labrador riding.

Penashue won a narrow victory last year over Liberal incumbent Todd Russell by just 79 votes, winning the only Conservative seat in Newfoundland and Labrador.

But according to an Elections Canada review, Penashue’s team spent almost $4,000 more than the legal limit of just under $84,500.

Bowers says in the letter dated May 25 that he kept no records on who travelled with Penashue and mistakenly declared travel expenses as personal costs not covered by the spending cap.

Penashue was unavailable to comment but a spokesman said his team is aware that Bowers may have made reporting mistakes and is working with Elections Canada.