Victoria, N.L., candidate with extensive criminal background vows to continue his campaign

A candidate in the upcoming special election in the Town of Victoria, N.L., says he’s “done nothing wrong” and is vowing to continue his campaign, despite an extensive criminal history and an upcoming court date.

Paul Hanlon lives in the Conception Bay North town of nearly 1,700 residents and is one of 16 candidates vying for seven positions on the town council.

The vote will take place on May 14, and became necessary after Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Chris Tibbs dismissed the former council in mid-December following weeks of dysfunction and bickering.

Hanlon is scheduled to appear in Harbour Grace provincial court on May 20 — six days after the election — on a charge of failing to comply with a court-ordered undertaking to stay away from Gunner’s Pond Road in Carbonear.

It’s alleged he violated the undertaking on April 23.

A failure to comply with an undertaking is an indictable offence, and a conviction could result in imprisonment for up to two years.

Hanlon, 59, has an extensive criminal past, with convictions related to violence, firearms, theft and drugs at both provincial and supreme courts, dating back to 1995.

‘The truth will come out’

Hanlon declined a recorded interview, saying it was on the advice of his lawyer, but denied any wrongdoing related to the breach of undertaking.

“The truth will come out,” Hanlon wrote in an exchange of messages with CBC News. “This is still Canada and I am innocent until proven guilty.”

According to court documents, Hanlon’s last conviction was at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in February 2020, when he was sentenced to a seven-year prison term, less 957 days for time served prior to his sentencing.

He received a six-year sentence for charges that included breaking and entering and committing an indictable offence, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, wearing a disguise, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Hanlon received an additional one-year sentence for a separate conviction of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possessing a restricted weapon.

Hanlon’s criminal record at the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador also reveals convictions on charges such as assault with a weapon, possession of a restricted weapon, careless use of a firearm, illegal possession of a controlled drug, impaired driving and assault.

‘I paid my debt to society’

The Town of Victoria is attempting to heal and unite following a dark chapter in the community’s history, with Tibbs telling CBC recently his department has “set up the Town of Victoria for success.”

When asked if he will be part of that healing process if elected, Hanlon wrote “yes.”

When asked why voters should put their trust in someone with such a checkered past, Hanlon wrote: “I paid my debt to society. I should have a chance to prove myself. It’s all about starting over.”

Hanlon’s campaign slogan is “I get it done!!” and he’s pledging a “positive change” for the town. He lists water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, a fire break and upgraded all-terrain vehicle trails as his priorities.

Qualifications for those who can contest an election are contained in the Municipal Elections Act. A person seeking to be nominated for a seat on council can be disqualified for owing taxes or if a person is employed by the municipality. The local fire chief, MHA or MP are also not eligible.

But someone facing criminal charges or with a criminal history is not prevented from seeking a seat on a town council, according to the Act.

“The decision of who is elected to a council rests with residents through the voting process,” a spokesperson for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs wrote in a statement to CBC.