Sudbury federal election candidates weigh in on Gerry Lougheed charges

Candidates at CBC's federal election debate in Sudbury Thursday night reacted to the charges against veteran Liberal party fundraiser Gerry Lougheed.

Morning North host and moderator Markus Schwabe asked them about political integrity — and he questioned Liberal Paul Lefebvre about his involvement with Lougheed.

"And just for the record, has Gerry Lougheed been involved in your campaign?"

Lefebvre's response:

"Currently, Gerry Lougheed is not involved in my campaign."

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All candidates — including the NDP's Paul Loewenberg, the Green Party's David Robinson and Conservative Fred Slade — expressed the importance of being honest in politics.

Robinson was the only one who stood up for Lougheed.

"Gerry talked a little bit too much during the last set up for the last campaign and got himself in trouble," he said.

"But we know how much he's done for the city and I'm really sorry to see a legal case."

Ontario Provincial Police laid criminal charges against Lougheed in relation to the Sudbury byelection in February.

Police reported Lougheed has been charged with these Criminal Code offences:

• One count of counselling an offence not committed.
• One count of unlawfully influencing or negotiating appointments.

Lougheed released a statement Thursday morning, saying he would be "vigorously defending these charges in the courts."

"I have no further comments at this time as this matter is now before the courts," he stated.

Meanwhile, Greater Sudbury Police confirmed Lougheed has stepped aside as board chair and member of the police services board.

Police said Lougheed will not be fulfilling any of his duties, functions or responsibilities as a board member until this matter is resolved.

Lougheed was scheduled to be officially installed as the chancellor of Huntington University in Sudbury Thursday night. The university said Lougheed stepped away from the role.