MONTREAL - A legal challenge has commenced regarding the results of a federal election in Quebec, where a former Bloc Québécois MP lost by just one vote. The three-day hearing started today in St-Jérôme, Quebec, as Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagnés contests the outcome in the Terrebonne riding, located north of Montreal.

Sinclair-Desgagnés lost to Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste in the April 28 election. The controversy arose when a local woman, who claimed to have voted for the Bloc, reported that her special ballot was returned due to an address error on the envelope provided by Elections Canada.

Sinclair-Desgagnés' attorney, Stéphane Chatigny, argues that the voter's rights under the Charter were violated because her ballot was not counted. He is advocating for a new election in the riding, citing that other voters may have faced similar issues. Chatigny noted that 16 additional special ballots were not returned by the deadline, suggesting a broader problem.

Elections Canada has stated that the results for the Terrebonne riding are final, despite the mailing error. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the election process in the region, as it raises questions about the integrity of the voting system and the rights of voters.

The hearing will continue over the next few days as both sides present their arguments.