Former Lululemon CEO, Chip Wilson, has been fined by Elections BC for displaying political signs outside his Point Grey residence during the 2024 provincial election. The penalty amounts to $600 for failing to register as a third-party advertising sponsor prior to the election.
According to the notice issued by Elections BC, Wilson’s three signs, criticizing Premier David Eby, garnered significant exposure. While Wilson claimed the signs were homemade, investigations were conducted to verify if he personally created them using his materials to qualify for an exemption from regulations.
However, Elections BC requested proof that Wilson indeed crafted the signs himself and did not engage a third party for design or printing services. Wilson later admitted to using a sign maker and pledged to register as a third-party sponsor to comply with regulations.
The notice clarified the definition of a ‘sponsor’ as an individual or organization utilizing another entity’s services for an election advertising campaign. If a third party is involved in designing, creating, or installing the signs, the individual becomes a sponsor of election advertising, subject to regulation.
Responding to one of the signs’ criticism regarding taxes, Premier David Eby defended his government’s taxation policies during a campaign event, highlighting increased property taxes on homes exceeding $3 million. Eby emphasized that the additional revenue from higher taxes on affluent homeowners like Wilson is utilized to fund essential programs such as breakfast initiatives for children and improved healthcare.
Wilson has a two-week window to contest the penalty investigation or a 39-day period to settle the fine. Although affluent, Elections BC extended an invitation to Wilson to seek recourse from the BC Supreme Court if necessary.