Title: Chip Wilson Fined for Election Sign Violations in B.C.

VANCOUVER - Billionaire Chip Wilson has been fined for violating election advertising rules during the provincial election last year. Elections BC determined that three signs he placed outside his Vancouver mansion constituted third-party advertising that required registration under the Elections Act. One of the signs labeled the New Democratic Party (NDP) as "Communist."

In a letter sent to Wilson on Wednesday, Elections BC's investigations director Adam Barnes stated that Wilson must pay a $600 penalty for the infraction. The agency noted that Wilson cooperated during the investigation and registered the signs on October 10, 2024, after being contacted by Elections BC.

The investigation began in early October 2024, following the appearance of a sign outside Wilson's mansion, valued at over $82 million. The sign read, "(Premier David Eby) will tell you the Conservatives are 'Far Right' but neglects saying that the NDP is 'Communist.'" Two additional signs were also displayed, but only one included the required authorization statement mandated by B.C. election regulations.

The second sign claimed, "Voters seem to forget when Eby 'gives' us money, it is the Voters' money he has already taken." The third sign, which did include an authorization statement, asked, "If Eby and the NDP cannot balance the Provincial budget, what right does he have to tell us how to live our lives?"

Wilson reported spending $1,650 on the signs. Although the maximum penalty for such a violation is $10,000, the letter indicated that Wilson may not have been aware of the registration requirement as a first-time advertising sponsor. The signs were noted to have had significant exposure and reach.

Wilson has 40 days to pay the $600 fine. He did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. During the time the signs were displayed, Premier David Eby remarked, "When you are so rich that the Red Hot Chili Peppers play your birthday party, it's possible to lose perspective."

The first sign and Wilson's mansion, the most expensive residential property in British Columbia, were vandalized with spray paint that labeled Wilson a "selfish billionaire."