Klein asks ‘reprehensible’ election ad to be reviewed

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein is asking election officials to review a newspaper advertisement placed by the city's largest union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The ad falsely claimed that several organizations, including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Manitoba Métis Federation, had endorsed the incumbent candidate, Scott Gillingham.

CUPE president Patrick Troughton defended the ad, stating it was based on endorsements from multiple leaders, including the Manitoba Métis Federation president. The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president, Loren Remillard, called the ad "misinformation" and urged an investigation into whether it violated Manitoba's Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act.

CUPE represents 5,000 city employees and has sent emails to voters recommending endorsed candidates for mayor, city council, and school trustee. The ad, which ran in Tuesday's Free Press, also falsely claimed that Jets owner Mark Chipman, Blue Bombers star Brady Oliveira, and former professional soccer player Desiree Scott endorsed Gillingham.

CUPE's spokesperson, Dale Edmunds, stated that the ad's claims were based on Buhse's endorsement of Gillingham, despite CUPE's policy of non-partisanship during elections.