A former Bloc Quebecois MP who narrowly lost her seat in the April federal election is seeking a redo, according to her legal representative. The challenge is underway in St-Jerome, Que., where Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné is contesting the outcome in the Terrebonne riding, situated north of Montreal.
The legal action follows a revelation from a local voter who disclosed that her special ballot, cast for the Bloc, was rejected due to an address error on the envelope provided by Elections Canada.
During the April 28 election, incumbent MP Sinclair-Desgagné was bested by Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste by just one vote. Sinclair-Desgagné’s lawyer, Stephane Chatigny, argues that the voter’s rights under the Charter were breached by the disregarded ballot and advocates for a fresh election in the constituency.
Chatigny further points out that other voters might have been impacted by a similar issue, as 16 other special ballots were not received within the deadline.