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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The federal election kicked off in Yellowknife Sunday with some early controversy over changes to the federal elections act.

Green Party candidate Sam Gamble was collecting signatures for his nomination papers at the Yk Direct Charge Co-op on Sunday afternoon when he was asked by management to leave the premises.

Carl Bird, left, signs Green Party candidate Sam Gambles' nomination sheet outside the Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op Sunday afternoon shortly after store management threatened to call police if he didn't stop campaigning. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

Under new provisions to section 81.1 of the Canada Elections Act, no person in control of a building, land or street, or any part which is open without charge to the public, may prevent a candidate or party representatives from campaigning. Anyone attempting to prohibit candidates from doing so is guilty of an offence and could be charged up to $2,000 or a maximum term of six months imprisonment.

Co-op store manager Ben Walker said the local board of directors for the store want the business to be distanced from the campaign.

"We're absolutely and totally apolitical," Walker said. "Members just want to be peaceful and left alone. We should be able to run our business the way we like."

Gamble said he was approached by management after they had received complaints from customers that he was outside asking for signatures. Gamble said he provided a letter from Elections Canada stating the recent provisions but was still asked to leave and was threatened with police action. He said he doesn't want to make a big deal out of it but just wants to make sure people understand what candidates are able to do

"It's people's rights to hear us. If organizations could keep candidates from reaching the public it's not a great thing for democracy or for the people," Gamble said.

Conservative candidate Brendan Bell said this issue won't be a concern for him and he will work closely with businesses to ensure that he and his team are not causing any problems while campaigning. He also said as long as businesses are consistent it shouldn't be an issue.

"As long as the playing field is level, I don't really have a concern with that."

Incumbent Dennis Bevington of the NDP and unofficial Liberal candidate Gabrielle Mackenzie-Scott were unavailable for comment.

John Enright, of Elections Canada's communications department, said that candidates have the right to be in any public area to get their message across.

"There might be some limitations depending on security issues, or public safety issues, but if they're in a mall and they want to set up a kiosk, (management) can't prohibit," he said.

Recent provisions to candidates' access are one of numerous changes to the act that affect the upcoming election. One provision implemented in December 2007 will affect voters specifically.

Voters will be required to provide photo identification when they go to their designated polling station.