The Progressive Conservative candidate in the Tuxedo byelection has been accused of stiffing an Interlake business for more than $6,500.
Lawrence Pinsky, a lawyer, and his wife are named in a small claim filed by Interlake Woodstove and Fireplace Ltd. last December.
The claim alleges the couple ordered a fireplace and chimney package, along with delivery and installation, at their cottage in Hillside Beach, in March 2022. The cost was $6,689.76.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES
Tuxedo byelection candidate Lawrence Pinsky.
The claim alleges the company has contacted the couple “numerous times regarding payment” but hadn’t yet received it. The company has filed for two extensions to serve the claim.
A spokesperson for the Pinsky campaign said the couple weren’t aware of the small claim.
“Neither Lawrence or his wife have been served with notice of this claim, and were unaware of a small claims case being filed on this matter,” said the spokesperson in an email. “They are confident on their position in the dispute.”
The spokesperson, who didn’t provide their name, would not elaborate on what the dispute is about.
The couple have not yet filed any response in small claims court. The matter is set to go to a hearing in Selkirk in July.
The company’s owner declined to comment.
Tuesday’s byelection in Tuxedo will fill the seat once held by former Tory premier Heather Stefanson, who resigned from the legislature in May.
The New Democratic Party has put up Carla Compton, a registered nurse and area resident, against Pinsky, a family lawyer and former adjudicator on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Other candidates are Jamie Pfau for the Liberals and Green party Leader Janine Gibson.
— staff