Elections B.C. has determined that billionaire Chip Wilson violated third-party election advertising regulations by displaying signs in front of his Vancouver residence last year, one of which labeled the NDP as “communist.”
In a communication to the Lululemon founder, Elections B.C. stated that three signs erected during the 2024 provincial election period constituted third-party advertising, necessitating Wilson to register under the Elections Act. Wilson complied with the investigation and eventually registered on October 10, 2024.
Adam Barnes, the director of investigations at Elections B.C., informed Wilson in the letter that he must pay a $600 penalty for breaching the Election Act.
The investigation was initiated in early October after a sign appeared outside Wilson’s mansion, valued at over $82 million, proclaiming, “[Premier David Eby] will tell you the Conservatives are ‘Far Right’ but neglects saying that the NDP is ‘Communist.'”
Elections B.C. reported that two additional signs were displayed at Wilson’s residence, with only one containing the required authorization statement as per B.C. election regulations.
One of the signs highlighted that when Eby provides money, it is essentially the voters’ money that he had already taken. The third sign, which had an authorization statement, questioned Eby’s right to dictate people’s lives if he and the NDP cannot balance the provincial budget.
Wilson disclosed to Elections B.C. that he spent $1,650 on the signs. While the maximum penalty could have been $10,000, Elections B.C. noted that Wilson might have been unaware of the registration obligation as a first-time advertising sponsor.
Despite the signs garnering significant exposure, Wilson rectified the situation by registering after being contacted by Elections B.C. and promptly responding to their inquiries. The letter specified that Wilson has 40 days to settle the $600 penalty.
When contacted for comments, Wilson did not immediately respond via his personal website or phone. During the display of the signs, Premier David Eby remarked on Wilson’s wealth, suggesting a potential loss of perspective due to extravagance.
The initial sign and Wilson’s residence, the priciest residential property in B.C., were defaced with spray paint, branding Wilson as a “selfish billionaire.”
Stewart Prest, a political science lecturer at the University of British Columbia, acknowledged the challenge of maintaining a balance in enforcing rules. He stressed that Wilson’s violation warranted a penalty but raised concerns that a $600 fine to a billionaire may seem lenient and could inadvertently amplify Wilson’s message.
Prest emphasized the importance of not stifling free expression with excessive fines, especially in cases involving prominent figures like Chip Wilson.