Someone has launched a program of automated phone calls allegedly impersonating the NDP in Saanich-Gulf Islands. Gary Lunn's campaign denies involvement yet questions remain unanswered.

The Tyee has further details on last night's story about alleged impersonation of the NDP being a factor in today's vote. Garry Lunn's campaign denies any involvement. Calls made into the riding urged voters to cast their ballot for a candidate which had earlier been forced to drop out of the race.

We didn't do it. I hope nobody's thinking it's us. If they were, I'd be quite upset. Byng Giraud, Campaign Co-Manager for Garry Lunn

The automated telephone calls made to electors in Saanich-Gulf Islands are said to have stated the following:

Support Julian West of the NDP. Everyday families need to know they have someone in Ottawa fighting for them. Stephen Harper is the wrong kind of strong. Wrong on the economy, wrong on health care and wrong on the environment. Stéphane Dion has been his best friend over the last year and now wants to impose a second carbon tax on British Columbia. Jack Layton and the NDP won't let that happen. Let's put the priorities of the kitchen table first. Tomorrow vote Julian West of the NDP. Alleged impersonation of NDP campaign

I've written about Giraud before in context with the David Emerson affair. Giraud has acted as a lobbyist and power broker in conservative politics for some time. Currently he is Vice-President, Policy and Communications, for the Mining Association of B.C.. His candidate, Garry Lunn, as a sitting Minister of Natural Resources is in a position to directly respond to issues of specific concern to Giraud and the association he represents. He is therefore highly motivated to see Lunn re-elected, although that certainly doesn't mean he has knowledge of or any culpability in connection with the alleged fraud.

I accept that there could be an innocent explanation for this. While the NDP has discounted the possibility of their accidental involvement, its at least a possibility they had something preprogrammed which never was cancelled. Remote, but possible. There could be other parties or individuals behind this. Or it could be someone connected or supportive of the Garry Lunn campaign. After all, the stakes in this riding are higher than most.

The best we can do is ask questions and hope that Elections Canada and police investigate fully. Here are some sample questions they ought to ask:

1. Do any current or past members of the Conservative Saanich-Gulf Islands Electoral District Association (SGI EDA) have present or past connections with demon dialing services?
2. Will the SGI EDA pass on the names of those member(s) who have present or past connections with demon dialing services to the appropriate authorities, unbidden? If asked? Will they investigate on their own accord?

I have great respect for certain members of that EDA; these are people who would never knowingly be involved with such a deception. Yet my confidence in these individuals does not mean there isn't a rogue person or persons working undemocratically, and potentially illegally, under the radar without the knowledge of the EDA.