Four of Harper's MPs Could be Barred From Running in the Next Election

I've been trying to keep track of the ongoing court case surrounding the "In and Out" scandal. There has been nothing new, but just a reminder that it is far from settled.

After one victory, and Pierre Poilievre sticking out his tiny chest and claiming it was over, Elections Canada has said "Not so fast".

A court ruling initially hailed as a triumph by the Conservatives turns out to contain a bitter pill that could poison the electoral prospects of three senior cabinet ministers.

... the Tories are also appealing, hoping to strike down a little-noticed section of the judgment that would mean up to 10 candidates — including Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Josee Verner and former minister Maxime Bernier — exceeded their campaign spending limits in 2006.

If the ruling is allowed to stand, the four sitting Tories and up to six former candidates could face charges. If convicted, they could be barred from running again or even be barred from sitting in the House of Commons, much less cabinet ... "Apart from any conviction," the agency goes on, "this option would cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election of the four candidates ... who are current members of Parliament."

Hopefully this will be settled before the next election.