Vancouver opposition group demands discipline for mayor’s party’s alleged financial irregularities

There’s no shortage of political tension ahead of the municipal byelection in Vancouver.

Four of the city’s opposition parties are demanding answers from Elections BC over its probe into ABC Vancouver’s alleged financial mishandling during the 2022 election.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the parties state this follows the January 2024 disclosure that ABC Vancouver refunded $116,000 in prohibited contributions from its 2022 municipal campaign.

Vancouver Green Party Coun. Pete Fry voiced concerns about the delay in the investigation, adding that the prolonged process is undermining public trust in the electoral process.

“We know that there’s in excess of $120,000 in prohibited donations that ABC had collected, that we know about, and they repaid it, but there’s been no penalty. They have filed six amended financial reports detailing who donated and how much, and they’re still under investigation,” Fry told 1130 NewsRadio.

“In any other context, other parties have been deregistered, they’ve been disqualified from running, and it’s now two years after the election. For us, we really need some kind of closure on the investigation and need to ascertain how we’re ensuring that democracy, fairness, and transparency remain paramount in local elections.”

In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, Stephen Molnar, the president of ABC Vancouver said it will comply with any requests from Elections BC.

“ABC is fully committed to upholding the highest standard of integrity to ensure we are in compliance with campaign financing laws,” said Molnar.

In a statement to 1130 on Wednesday morning, Elections BC says its investigations into ABC and “other elector organizations remain active and ongoing.”

“These investigations involve potential campaign financing violations during the 2022 General Local Elections,” it stated.

“We are working to conclude these investigations as soon as possible. We are unable to provide further details while these investigations are ongoing, but will provide more information once they conclude.”

The byelection is scheduled for April 5, with voters going to the polls to fill two vacant seats on Vancouver city council.

With files from Charlie Carey.