Companies admit illegal donations to Peter Penashue's 2011 campaign

Seven companies have acknowledged giving illegal donations to former federal cabinet minister Peter Penashue during his campaign inthe2011 general election.

The companies wrote illegal corporate cheques totaling nearly $12,000, despite a ban on corporation and union contributions brought in by the Progressive Conservative government.

Air Labrador, Dee-Max Innu Tautshuap Ltd., Innu-Chiasson Construction Ltd., Kakatshu Construction Ltd., Labrador Sales Ltd., N.E. Parrot Surveys and company officers at Pennecon Limited were all named in Saturday's edition of the Canada Gazette.

Pennecon Limited has agreed to publish the details of its involvement in a local newspaper, as well as on its website.

Executives with the companies have entered compliance agreements with the Commissioner of Canada Elections, meaning no charges will be laid against them.

All have agreed to cooperate with an investigation, and said they will educate staff about the rules surrounding donations.

Penashue, elected as the Conservative MP for Labrador, resigned his seat in the House of Commons in 2013 to run in the Labrador byelection, amid revelationsthat his campaign had accepted discount airfares and illegal corporate donations. Penashue was defeated.

• PeterPenashuequits over campaign donations
• Penashueoffers few details on campaign spending

CBC's Peter Cowan reported in 2013 that Penashue's campaign had to settle up after taking 28 illegal contributions during the2011 federal election campaign. That included more than $18,000 from Provincial Airlines and $5,500 from Pennecon Limited.

• Peter Penashue campaign took in 28 ineligible contributions

Meanwhile, the information supplied by the companies in the investigation could assist in Reg Bowers' prosectuion.

Penashue's former official agent is facing three charges under the Canada Elections Acts and is due to appear in court in August.