Elections Canada has released its final list of candidates for the Sept. 20 election, revealing one previously unreported federal candidate: John David Popescu, who is running as an independent in Sudbury.
The perennial fringe candidate, who normally goes by the name David Popescu, is known for his extreme interpretation of Christian doctrine. He has run afoul of the law several times in the past for actions related to his extreme views.
In April, Popescu was sentenced to 30 days in jail for spreading “messages of shock and horror” after being convicted in September for wilfully promoting hate toward an identifiable group -- in this case, homosexuals.
He distributed DVDs containing written and video footage of himself citing Bible scripture to spread his message.
This was Popescu’s second conviction for the same crime.
At the time, Popescu was also given two years of probation during which he is not to distribute or publish any literature or materials that make reference to former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne (who is a lesbian), the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or sexual orientation in any way.
“His actions are clearly motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression,” Ontario Court Justice Heather Ann Mendes said during Popescu’s sentencing, adding he “lacks any remorse or insight into the seriousness of his crime, and he confirms he intends to re-offend.”
All other candidates included in Elections Canada’s final list have been previously reported.
The Sudbury electoral district also includes candidates Viviane Lapointe (Liberal), Colette Andréa Methé (People’s Party), David Robinson (Green), Ian Symington (Conservative) and Nadia Verrelli (NDP).
In Nickel Belt, the candidates include Andréane Simone Chénier (NDP), Craig Gravelle (Green), David Hobbs (People’s Party), Charles Humphrey (Conservative) and Marc G. Serré (Liberal).
