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Group linked to robocalls and text messages registers as third party

Jul 25, 2019 | 3:07 PM

OTTAWA — A third-party organization linked to a series of robocall and text campaigns in Canada is now officially registered as a third party for the upcoming federal election.

Canada Strong and Proud sent out robocalls in late June asking for information about voting intentions and support for pipelines.

According to Elections Canada’s website, the third party was registered July 23 by Chris Russell of St. John’s, N.L.

Russell is also a director of at least two similar political action groups at the provincial level, which are not registered as third parties for the coming election but have conducted text, robocall or ad campaigns in the past.

Other directors for Canada Strong and Proud are linked to groups across the country who have also employed automated messaging tactics around provincial campaigns over the last year.

Official third parties must disclose interim financial statements five days after they are required to register with Elections Canada, if they have spent more or received more than $10,000.

The Canadian Press