Without rules, municipal candidates must decide whether to reveal donors
Province has no rules around municipal campaign spending, disclosure of donors
Shane Magee· CBC News· Posted: Jan 29, 2020 5:00 AM AT
With no rules around campaign financing, the candidates in the race for Moncton council's top job will have to decide whether to proactively declare donations. (Shane Magee/CBC)
The upcoming municipal election will be another without any rules around campaign contributions, spending limits or disclosure on who provided candidates with funding.
Candidates in federal and provincial elections must follow rules around contribution limits and disclosure of donors, but there are no similar rules for municipal elections.
While the previous Liberal provincial government announced it would put rules in place, the Progressive Conservative government that took power in the fall of 2018 has not implemented the regulations necessary for the May 11 vote.
"At this point, it's too late for Elections New Brunswick to be able to implement financing rules for the municipal election," Kim Poffenroth, the chief electoral officer with Elections NB, said Tuesday.
That leaves it to individual candidates to decide whether to disclose information. The first two candidates to declare in the province's largest city say they're not going to publicly reveal who is funding their campaign.
Chad Peters, who announced Tuesday he's running to be Moncton's mayor, says he won't disclose who contributed to his campaign. (Shane Magee/CBC)
Chad Peters announced Tuesday before a crowd of about 60 people at the Delta Beausejour that he's running to be Moncton's mayor.
In September, he told CBC News he had yet to collect any donations. He said he believed changes to rules were necessary to increase transparency.
"While I don't have anything specific to say on that yet, I can say that I'm encouraging my team that my desire is to have a transparent campaign where there are disclosures consistent with what's going on at other levels of government," Peters said.
Asked if that would mean proactively disclosing who provided funds to his campaign, he said "yes."
On Tuesday, however, he said the information won't be released.
Erik Gingles is among those running to be mayor of Moncton in the May 2020 municipal election. (Shane Magee/CBC)
"I'm going to make sure that this campaign is run clean," Peters told reporters. "But we won't be disclosing anything as I believe other candidates have indicated as well."
Erik Gingles confirmed his run for the mayor's seat on Monday. In an interview, he said he won't release information about donations after discussing the issue with "political people in the know."
"They say it sounds great in theory, but it just doesn't work because even if you say something, or someone else says that they disclose who they have, there's no way to verify anything from that," Gingles said.
And he said it could scare off donations from people who don't want their name known. "Given that it's going to be a tough financial go to begin with, we figured it's no sense to put us at any more of a disadvantage anyway," Gingles said.
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold has not said if she'll seek a second term.
Asked by reporters Monday about whether she would disclose donations if she runs again, she said "perhaps we'll have that discussion on Friday."
'Community secrets'
She added that it can be challenging if one candidate does disclose and others don't.
"Often in Moncton, people support all candidates - the same person will donate to all candidates. It's sort of one of those community secrets," Arnold said. "I don't know if those people will want to be known."
Arnold hasn't disclosed who contributed to her 2016 mayoral campaign.
The municipal election is scheduled for May 11 in communities across the province.
Information Morning - Moncton
To declare or not to declare municipal campaign donations
Chad Peters and Erik Gingles are running for mayor in Moncton. Dawn Arnold is the current mayor. 6:04
David Amos Content disabled Surprise Surprise Surprise Methinks this has been a well known dirty little secret for many years N'esy Pas?
Ferdinand Boudreau Look like this is wide open for all type of corruptness.
David Amos
Reply to @Ferdinand Boudreau: Welcome back to the circus
Richard Riel Today one with influence and money can buy a candidate to change rules and laws to suit their agenda by taking over a municipality.
David Amos
Reply to @Richard Riel: Reply to @Richard Riel: Methinks everybody knows that it has always been that way since long before the Romans had their empire N'esy Pas?
Matt Steele I suspect that most all the top candidates in the three largest N.B. cities are financed , and controlled by special interest groups like the SANB and unions ; so do not expect any transparency anytime soon . Just another reason why N.B. continues to be the POOREST province in Canada .
David Peters
Reply to @Matt Steele: ...and those unions and special interest groups have used their political puppets to create laws to tilt the marketplace in their favor for decades...access corporate welfare...bankrupting local, provincial and federal treasuries...and monopolizing much of the private sector.
Justin Gunther
Reply to @David Peters: And it will continue unless a few good men organize and demonstrate how utterly foolish this policy is. It doesn't need to keep happening. Or at the
very least, if it does, we can sufficiently demonstrate that absurdity and anti-democratic nature of the entire process. We can do that much at least.
Douglas James
Reply to @Matt Steele: If you are going to mention 'special interest groups', it would be more open and transparent for you to say the Irvings.
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: Special interest groups seek corporate welfare, special tax breaks, and rules that effectively eliminate any possible competition in the marketplace. They use $ to support politicians who will tow their line if they get in...and we all know how expensive it is to win an election. It takes big $ to win an election, might be even more than what the position pays.
No wonder said special interest group has monopolized local media.
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks the Crown and everybody else has known that since the Yankee Benedict Arnold set up camp in Saint John N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Douglas James: Methinks Higgy will find it interesting the a former Green Party candidate finally had the nerve to mention the Irving Clan N'esy Pas?
Justin Time Municipal elections should have the same rules as provincial and federal elections regarding financing. Way too much secrecy in all levels of government now.
Justin Gunther Reply to @Justin Time: Imagine the campaign boost one might get for proactively disclosing, and then leaning on others to do the same? That would be a quick way to earn support and marginalize the competition, unless of course they're all corrupt.
David Amos Reply to @Justin Time: Methinks the same rules must hold true for the corporate media reporting on this nonsense N'esy Pas?
Justin Gunther We don't need to convene a $100,000 24 person sub-committee to determine whether it makes sense to change the law so everyone discloses their donors. Just do it or be ridiculed ;).
David Amos Reply to @Justin Gunther: I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
David Amos Methinks SWN, Bernie Lord and everybody else knows how many times I crossed paths with Chad Peters the wannabe Elvis and staffer with the Conservative Party N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks the Wannabe Elvis is always concerned about donations N'esy Pas?
Few details released by charity about issue in a classroom last week Shane Magee · CBC News · Posted: May 30, 2019 3:15 PM AT
"Moncton Headstart runs a number of programs aimed at helping disadvantaged families, including collecting school supplies and winter coats.
It was founded in 1974 by Claudette and Doug Bradshaw as a free daycare for struggling families and grew to include a program for parents.
The organization has received significant community support in the form of donations to keep it operating.
Moncton charity Headstart lives 'paycheque to paycheque'
Peters said Headstart was disclosing what happened to be open with the community and hopes to maintain the trust of those who have given in past years.
"We do value our donors because we do know that the community needs Moncton Headstart and Moncton Headstart needs the community to deliver these programs to young people," he said.
Few details released by charity about issue in a classroom last week
Shane Magee· CBC News· Posted: May 30, 2019 3:15 PM AT
Moncton Headstart hasn't revealed details of the incident that provoked a provincial investigation. (Gilles Landry/CBC)
Moncton Headstart says it has fired four people as part of an ongoing investigation of an "incident" last week in one of its classrooms.
The charity, which offers programs for children two to seven years old, says the Education Department is looking into the May 22 incident, although few details have been released.
The provincial investigation relates to "child guidance," Headstart spokesperson Chad Peters said Thursday afternoon.
"We would like to state unequivocally that Moncton Headstart takes the safety of children in our care very seriously, and that once we were made aware of what took place, we took immediate action to ensure that it does not happen again," said Peters.
He read a prepared statement on behalf of Headstart at a news conference flanked by Mary O'Donnell, its executive director, and board president Darren Hansen.
Chad Peters, a spokesperson for Moncton Headstart, said four employees were fired earlier Thursday after the incident in one of the charity's classrooms. (Shane Magee/CBC)
Peters said that last Wednesday, the organization with 25 employees became aware of an incident that took place in one of its classrooms. It began an internal investigation. By last Thursday, it confirmed details of what happened.
Peters also said the organization received an anonymous email last week from a person who said that they were aware of what happened and that it had been reported to the province.
Two staff members were suspended with pay and escorted from Headstart's building as the investigation was underway, Peters said.
Asked if the RCMP are investigating, Peters said he's not aware of that, adding that the province is investigating and would decide whether to report what happened to police.
Codiac Regional RCMP Sgt. Tyson Nelson said Thursday evening that there have been no files related to Moncton Headstart created in the last 24 hours and he wasn't aware of any investigation.
Moncton Headstart was founded in 1974 by Claudette and Doug Bradshaw as a free day care for economically disadvantaged children. (Gilles Landry/CBC)
On Thursday, Headstart fired the two employees who had been suspended and two others "related to this incident." Peters said they were three teachers and one aide.
A section of New Brunswick's operations manual for early education centres, dealing with child guidance, outlines actions that are prohibited, including the use of physical punishment or verbal and emotional abuse.
Violations can result in dismissal of an employee, reporting the incident to the Department of Social Development, advising parents and informing licensing staff at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Chad Peters, a spokesperson for Moncton Headstart, and its executive director, Mary O'Donnell, at a news conference Thursday. (Jean-Philippe Hughes/Radio-Canada)
A spokesperson for the Education Department said in an email that the province investigates all incidents and complaints, but it provided no specific information about the Headstart investigation. Peters said Headstart would try to share any information it can as the province's investigation continues.
Parents notified
Headstart said parents have been notified.
Lindsay O'Blenis, whose child goes to Headstart, said she found out about what happened on Facebook.
"Well, as of now it's kind of still new, but I'm going to be keeping my son home until I know what's happening," she told Radio-Canada. "I'm not sending him back until I know more."
Lindsay O'Blenis says she plans to keep her child from Headstart until she knows more about what happened. (Radio-Canada)
Moncton Headstart runs a number of programs aimed at helping disadvantaged families, including collecting school supplies and winter coats.
It was founded in 1974 by Claudette and Doug Bradshaw as a free daycare for struggling families and grew to include a program for parents.
The organization has received significant community support in the form of donations to keep it operating.
Peters said Headstart was disclosing what happened to be open with the community and hopes to maintain the trust of those who have given in past years.
"We do value our donors because we do know that the community needs Moncton Headstart and Moncton Headstart needs the community to deliver these programs to young people," he said.
Four staff members dismissed after 'incident' at N.B. charity that helps children
CTV Atlantic Published Thursday, May 30, 2019 9:12PM ADT
“The way the system works when an incident is discovered is it gets reported to the department of education and early childhood development and social development," said Chad Peters of Moncton Headstart.
A Moncton-based charitable agency that's been helping children for more than 40 years said Thursday that it has let go four staff members after an “incident” last week in one of its classrooms. Moncton Headstart provides support and programs for young children from two to seven years old.
The organization held a press conference Thursday afternoon, but didn't provide many details, only saying that an "incident" took place late last Wednesday, and they began an investigation immediately.
That investigation began with two employees who were suspended with pay immediately following the incident, but on Thursday morning, Headstart terminated both of those employees, along with two others.
While Headstart won't speak to the specifics of the incident, a spokesperson did point to the operations manual for early learning childcare centres. The manual prohibits the following actions by staff members:
striking a child;
shaking, shoving, spanking, pinching, or other measures that produce physical pain;
verbal abuse such as yelling;
sending a child to a cot, mat, time-out chair, or a corner; and
physically restraining a child.
The matter has been referred to the New Brunswick Education Department.
When asked why the incident has not been referred to the RCMP, Chad Peters of Moncton Headstart said: “The way the system works when an incident is discovered is it gets reported to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Social Development. In the operating standards, it outlines the relative pieces of legislation that are governed - those two practices and in there they would make the determination of the decision on what we get referred.”
Peters also said that parents who have children in programs at Moncton Headstart have received a letter informing them that an investigation is and will be ongoing in regards to the incident. The charity has been a fixture in the community providing support for many families and children in disadvantaged circumstances.
Erik Gingles says he's in, while Chad Peters set to announce bid Tuesday
Shane Magee· CBC News· Posted: Jan 27, 2020 5:29 PM AT
Candidates are beginning to step forward for the Moncton municipal election set for May 2020. (Shane Magee/CBC)
The race to be Moncton's mayor kicked off this week with the first person announcing they want to lead New Brunswick's largest city.
Erik Gingles confirmed over the weekend that he will run in the May 11 municipal election. Other announcements will take place later this week, including Chad Peters on Tuesday. One-term Mayor Dawn Arnold will announce her decision on whether to reoffer by the end of the week.
Since 2016, Gingles has run a video-news site called Buzzlocal that regularly livestreams Moncton council meetings and produces video segments about community news and events.
"I could see there were a lot of things that, I believe, happening that were becoming major problems that just weren't being addressed," Gingles said. "That people just weren't necessarily being listened to."
Gingles said he'll be running with a platform focusing on three topics: social issues, public safety and the environment.
Erik Gingles is among those running to be mayor of Moncton in the May 2020 municipal election. (Shane Magee/CBC)
He said his time covering council has given him a strong understanding of the issues Moncton is facing and how the city operates. While people encouraged him to run to be a councillor, he was also told the mayor's office was where the agenda is set.
Gingles said he's always wanted to be involved in municipal politics, but wanted to wait until after his children were finished school. The youngest of his three children graduates this spring.
Gingles grew up in Moncton, graduated from Harrison Trimble High School and spent nine years teaching English in Japan before returning to the city with his wife.
Tamara Nichol, a former district education council chair, and Luc LeBlanc, a University of Moncton professor and former NDP candidate, are his campaign co-chairs.
Gingles said he will likely still produce stories about the community through Buzzlocal while running for office. He is considering whether to continue to cover city council.
Chad Peters
A Facebook page for Chad Peters, listing him as a politician, began running advertisements last week for a "campaign launch" at a downtown hotel set for Tuesday morning. The event page says it is regarding an "important announcement about the upcoming municipal elections."
In an interview with CBC News in September, Peters said he was leaning toward running for mayor. He declined another interview ahead of the formal announcement.
"There are a number of challenges that the city is facing and it could, in a number of people's view and in my own, we could benefit from a change at the top of the mayor's position," Peters said in September.
Chad Peters, who most recently run a communications business, is set to announce his candidacy Tuesday. (Shane Magee/CBC)
He said there appeared to be a divide at council between those who regularly voted with the mayor and those who don't. He said he would try to position himself as someone to bring the sides together.
While Peters hasn't regularly attended council meetings in person to observe, he said he regularly followed proceedings online.
Peters is owner of Lynnwood Strategies, a communications firm in Moncton. Previously, he was a vice president with communications firm M5. Before that, he was a manager with SWN Resources, Canada's oil and natural gas exploration program in New Brunswick.
Peters grew up in Sunny Brae and graduated from Moncton High School. He's been involved with the Progressive Conservatives, including running as a candidate in the 2007 Moncton East provincial byelection following Bernard Lord's resignation. He lost to Liberal Chris Collins.
Dawn Arnold
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold told reporters Monday she has made a decision about whether to reoffer and will make an announcement on Friday.
"I've never actually declared ever before March Break," Arnold said Monday when asked about potentially balancing duties as mayor and running for reelection over the coming months.
"It's 16 weeks from today. That is a very long time to be running a campaign and being mayor. It's going to be interesting."
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold says she'll be announcing this week whether she'll be seeking a second term. (Shane Magee/CBC News)
Arnold was first elected as a city councillor in 2012 and had served as chair of the Frye Festival for 15 years. She became the city's first female mayor in 2016 when she defeated Brian Hicks.
She has emphasized downtown growth during her time leading the city.
Charles Burrell, founder of the Humanity Project in Moncton, posted on Facebook earlier this month he is running for mayor. However, he has not confirmed if he will actually run.
Our focus is to engage the public in their own communities using the motto: Local People, Local Stories, Global Perspective. It’s important to know and understand what is happening in your own backyard. Because things can change quickly, and by understanding the issues that affect you and your surroundings, the better chance you have to be the steward of where you live.
Our Team
Erik Gingles Journalist
A Moncton boy Erik is the president of the boutique marketing agency i communications inc. Prior to that he taught English for a large manufacturing company in Nagano Japan. While there he penned his book ‘Living North of Lucky’ as well as writing on the Nagano Winter Olympics for USA Today and MacLean’s Magazine as well as Velo News covering World Cup events. Since his return Erik has worked as a Story Producer for the Discovery channel series the Frontier’s of Construction, CBC radio, and has written hundreds of humour and business related articles. In the summer of 2016 he started buzzlocal.tv – an online video news magazine focussing on the local
Alex Journalist
Raised in Moncton, Alex studied journalism at St. Thomas University. He started working with Buzzlocal in late 2016. He enjoys a good movie, a good read, and a good board game. Alex plans to become not so quite an amateur sailor.
A provincial by-election was held in New Brunswick on March 5, 2007 to fill the vacancy in the Legislative Assembly riding of Moncton East.[1] As a result of Bernard Lord's resignation, a by-election had to be called within six months of January 31, 2007. The date was set for March 5, 2007. The governing Liberals were hopeful that they could win the seat as it was held by Liberal Ray Frenette from 1974 to 1998 and because they are showing strength in recent opinion polls across the province.
Candidates
The Liberal leader, Premier Shawn Graham, said he would not interfere in the nomination process, leaving it up to the riding to determine a candidate but that, as he has only three women in his caucus, he added that he "will be actively searching for women to run".[2] Of the three candidates there were two men (Chris Collins, Daniel LeBlanc) and one woman (Gilberte Losier). Chris Collins, a Moncton city councillor, was nominated as the Liberal candidate.
Chad Peters, a staffer with the Conservative Party's legislative office, and a former Elvis impersonator, was nominated on February 10, 2007.[3]
Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Lynwood Strategies offers a variety of strategic communications solutions for clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We work hard to stay on top of the social, political and economic changes happening throughout the region so our clients can get the best, and most relevant advice and solutions that work.
Chad Peters President & Chief Strategist
Chad Peters is President and Chief Strategist at Lynwood Strategies. In this role he helps clients deliver value to their various publics through strategic communications programs, research and public opinion polling, as well as public, stakeholder, and media relations efforts.
Over the past 20 years, Chad has held senior roles with various national and international companies in a variety of sectors including energy, retail, community economic development and manufacturing. Prior establishing Lynwood Strategies, Chad led SWN Resources Canada’s (Southwestern Energy) oil and natural gas exploration program in New Brunswick.
As a strategist, Chad has extensive experience in public relations, corporate communications, public policy development, and crisis management. With a unique insight and knowledge of how governments work and relate to the publics they serve, Chad has provided strategic counsel to a number of clients throughout Canada and the United States.
Fully bilingual (English & French), Chad holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of New Brunswick, and diplomas in Corporate Communication and Marketing Management from Centennial College.
Active in his community, Chad is a member of the board of directors of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, the Food Depot Alimentaire, and the YMCA of Greater Moncton.
