QUEBEC – The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Stéphane Perrault, informed the chief agent of Free Party Canada that the party was to be deregistered effective Dec. 31.
The party was deregistered for failing to provide an auditor’s report relating to the 2023 Registered Party’s Annual Financial Transactions Return, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Canada Elections Act.
The party, led by Michel Leclerc, was registered federally on Sept. 30, 2020.
The now deregistered party, advocates for direct democracy, lower taxes, and promotes vaccine hesitancy.
Due to the deregistration of the party, they may no longer issue tax receipts for contributions received and are no longer entitled to any of the benefits of a registered party under the Canada Elections Act, including the use of broadcasting time.