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Mike Sullivan, centre, NDP MP for York South-Weston in Toronto, joins a Jack Layton memorial in August.JENNIFER ROBERTS

A federal Liberal is crying foul over materials sent out of another MP's office, claiming New Democrat Mike Sullivan "directly and shamelessly" stepped into the Ontario provincial election to try and influence voters.

In a letter filed to Speaker Andrew Scheer, MP Judy Sgro said she received a flyer to her home that had been printed by House of Commons staff on the taxpayer's dime. MPs send out flyers to their constituents four times a year to promote their activities, but can't wade into provincial campaigns.

"I am of the belief that one of our colleagues may be utilizing House of Commons resources to directly and shamelessly advance a specific partisan cause in the Ontario provincial election," her letter states. "As this would be contrary to the rules set by the board of the internal economy, I felt it appropriate to raise the issue with you."

She received the flyer on Friday afternoon. It had an NDP logo, a photograph of the local MPP candidate in her Toronto-area riding and several lines that echo the provincial NDP platform such as "the HST was negotiated behind closed doors without your input, your ideas or your permission."

But Mr. Sullivan said she's got it all wrong – there's a photo of York South-Weston NDP candidates Paul Ferreira in the flyer, but it's only because he's a constituent who happened to be in a group photo. As for the platform references – he said he was only talking about promises his own federal party had made in the past.

With the complaint filed, it will be up to the House Speaker to determine whether he stepped over any lines.

Federal rules say that members of the House of Commons "may not use the House administration printing and photocopying services, the member's office budget or the house office budget for the following: provincial, municipal or local election campaign material, including speeches, enumerators' lists, party and constituency workers lists, poll activities and requests for re-election support."

Ms. Sgro's office said she raised the complaint in case other MPs are using their office budgets to create similar documents to send to their constituents. Mr. Ferreira doesn't expect the complaint to go far.

"I certainly didn't wade into any provincial matters," said Mr. Sullivan. "I really can't think of what she's talking about."

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