Thread by @TorontoStar

#StarExclusive: An Ontario cabinet minister used a controversial new election advertising law to try to handcuff at least three grassroots organizations — including two in his riding that are fighting the province’s decision to build a new prison. torstar.co/gL6150GsJcL

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark filed a complaint with Elections Ontario last month, targeting two small community organizations in Kemptville.
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Clark alleged they were “conducting unregistered third party political advertising” by sending out mailers and putting up lawn signs to bring attention to a proposed prison planned for the eastern Ontario community of 4,000, the Star has learned.
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Locals and groups have been vocal about the lack of consultation around the province’s plans to build a maximum-security 235-bed facility a community with no social services, shelters, court or public transit.
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Colleen Lynas, head of Coalition Against the Proposed Prison, a non-partisan group made up of mostly retirees, said she was “stunned” when she was informed by Elections Ontario that a complaint had been filed by Clark alleging they were “breaking the law.”
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In its letter to Lynas, obtained by the Star, Elections Ontario said there was no merit to the complaint against the two groups in Kemptville, which is about 60 kilometres south of Ottawa.

Read more of the #StarExclusive story here ⬇️
thestar.com/politics/provi…