If Harper is really doing what has been widely reported, he’s conspiring to break the law by importing this weasel.

Here’s the applicable section of the Canada Elections Act:

Non-interference by Foreigners

331. No person who does not reside in Canada shall, during an election period, in any way induce electors to vote or refrain from voting or vote or refrain from voting for a particular candidate unless the person is (a) a Canadian citizen; or (b) a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The law itself would hold Australian interloper Lynton Crosby liable. But by inviting him to Canada with the express purpose of influencing voters, is Harper not guilty of aiding and abetting? Perhaps the legal folks amongst my readers will weigh in.

Harper candidates dipped their toes in these waters during the last election. Maybe the Conservative war room was emboldened this time by the fact that no one was ever prosecuted for it, and not a peep came from the Commissioner of Canada Elections, nor from Elections Canada.

Could the recent memo to embassies telling foreign states to butt out of our election have contained an implicit “unless you want to work for Harper” clause?

UPDATE: And to no one’s surprise, Harper appointee Yves Côté, Commissioner of Canada Elections, bends over. Not, it should be noted, for the first time.