UCP wraps up probe into alleged nomination meeting irregularities

The investigation into alleged irregularities in a United Conservative Party constituency association meeting that led to MLA Prab Gill resigning his deputy whip position is now complete.

UCP Leader Jason Kenney told reporters Friday that the party had just minutes earlier received the report it had commissioned from retired judge Ted Carruthers into the June 30 founding meeting of the Calgary-North East UCP nomination, which dissolved in chaos amid accusations of ballot stuffing and improper handling of votes.

Kenney said he had not yet read the findings of the report but the party would respond “in due course.”

He said he didn’t know whether the report will be made public.

“I do take this very seriously, obviously,” said Kenney, while declining to comment on potential actions he or the party may take.

“We place a great emphasis on having a clean, open democratic process and we would take seriously any effort that would undermine that.”

The UCP caucus confirmed this week that Gill, currently the MLA for Calgary- Greenway, had stepped down as whip over allegations of his involvement, pending the outcome of Carruthers’ investigation.

Gill is one of three candidates seeking the UCP nomination in Calgary-North East.