NDP refused entry into 2 apartment buildings

[QUOTE BY= FootPrints] I was listening to Rock 95 this afternoon and overheard that an NDP candidate was told he was not allowed to enter 2 apartment buildings. Both buildings were surrounded by Conservative signs (I think.) I believe this happened in Barrie. The man was told the orders came from head office. I can't seem to find confirmation on this anywhere. Has anyone else heard about this?[/QUOTE] This happens all over Canada in every riding. Just yesterday i had it out with a building manager who was refusing me entry into the building. Electoral laws are clear, and elections Canada does what it can to ensure property owners and property management companies know the law, but some are ignorant willingly or unknowingly. I will be going back to the same building tonight with a copy of the elections act for the dimbulb who refused me entry. Bigger issue is around access to all-candidate meetings. Already in Greater Vancouver Greens and others are being denied the right to take part. One Chamber of Commerce tried to claim that they excluded everyone but the big three by using the 2% rule for federal funding. Only they were lying or confused and insisted that 5% was the threshold. You can be sure across Canada hundreds of candidates will be refused not only entry into buildings, but access to media, access to meetings and other avenues to campaign. We pretend to be a democracy, but in many ways we have a long way to go.

I agree that with Roy Whyte that access to apartment and condominiums is a problem. I also agree that access to 'all' candidates debates is a much bigger challenge and a greater issue regarding 'free speech'. Free speech certainly isn't free. I have personally put my money where my mouth is in order to speak out on issues that are important to me. However, I am running into some difficulty being included in the debate process. It is important to note that the reason given for exclusion is that this is an important election and that the three major parties that are going to be part of the government must be heard. All elections are important. Anyone on the ballot must be heard. On a positive note, the first debate that I was invited to be a participant in was organized by Victoria High School, and not only that, I was contacted by telephone 4 hours after the non-confidence vote in the house. I was impressed by the young man who called and the fact that he was so enthusiastic about the election and the process. So at least, compared to some candidates, I have one truly inclusive all candidates debate to attend and I am looking forward to it. Fred Mallach Marijuana Party candidate Victoria, BC

[QUOTE BY= FootPrints] I was listening to Rock 95 this afternoon and overheard that an NDP candidate was told he was not allowed to enter 2 apartment buildings. Both buildings were surrounded by Conservative signs (I think.) I believe this happened in Barrie. The man was told the orders came from head office. I can't seem to find confirmation on this anywhere. Has anyone else heard about this?[/QUOTE] Apartment as well as Condo's are not public housing. There's a reason why there's a 'buzzer' to allow only people you want to enter your apartment. At best, a candidate can use the Postal service to solicit flyers (they do this all the time) and if they want, they can go to the local community centre to have a public forum. I don't see any 'political partisanship' going on here, all what I see is the landlord/super/owner respecting the PRIVACY POLICY that all tenants are guaranteed when they agree to rent/lease an apartment/condo. So... WHAT'S YOUR POINT?

[QUOTE BY= Rabblewatch] So... WHAT'S YOUR POINT?[/QUOTE] Probably just this little thing known as the law: Section 81 of the Act provides a limited right of entry to multiple-residence buildings during an election for candidates and their representatives: 81. (1) No person who is in control of an apartment building, condominium building or other multiple residence building may prevent a candidate or his or her representative, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from (a) in the case of an apartment building or condominium building, canvassing at the doors to the apartment or units, as the case may be; or (b) campaigning in a common area in the multiple residence. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a person who is in control of a multiple residence building whose residents' physical or emotional well-being may be harmed as a result of permitting canvassing or campaigning referred to in that subsection.

[QUOTE BY= Roy_Whyte] [QUOTE BY= Rabblewatch] So... WHAT'S YOUR POINT?[/QUOTE] Probably just this little thing known as the law: Section 81 of the Act provides a limited right of entry to multiple-residence buildings during an election for candidates and their representatives: 81. (1) No person who is in control of an apartment building, condominium building or other multiple residence building may prevent a candidate or his or her representative, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from (a) in the case of an apartment building or condominium building, canvassing at the doors to the apartment or units, as the case may be; or (b) campaigning in a common area in the multiple residence. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a person who is in control of a multiple residence building whose residents' physical or emotional well-being may be harmed as a result of permitting canvassing or campaigning referred to in that subsection.[/QUOTE] I know that law. It's a bullshit law btw.

[QUOTE BY= Rabblewatch] I know that law. It's a bullshit law btw. [/QUOTE] Yea, we know you'd like the law changed from 'murder' to 'discharging a firearm in city limits'.

People encountering such obstacles while campaigning need only to go to the nearest courthouse and file a private ctriminal information agaist the person obstructing you, for criminal violation of the elections act. Take the media with you to file the information. Keep it as simple as possible to avoid giving them loopholes to pick at. Brent