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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A charge of failing to report election expenses and contributions on time has been stayed against Bobby Villeneuve, the former MLA for Tu Nedhe.

The charge was stayed in Yellowknife Territorial Court on Oct. 7.

The former MLA was charged with failing to make a declaration concerning election expenses and contributions within the specified time period, contrary to the NWT's Elections and Plebiscites Act.

Roger Shepard, legal counsel for prosecutions with the territorial Department of Justice, said Villeneuve complied with obligations under the act after the charges were laid.

The lawyer said it was decided not to proceed with the charge because it was not in the public interest to do so, and to avoid the expense and use of court resources.

Fort Resolution's Angela McKay, Villeneuve's official agent for his unsuccessful re-election bid last year, was charged with failing to transmit all financial documents relating to Villeneuve's candidacy to the chief electoral officer within the required time period.

However, the charge against McKay was stayed on Oct. 21.

She also complied after the charges were laid said Shepard.

Candidates and their official agents have 60 days to submit financial reports following election day, and can request a 60-day extension.

An arrest warrant was issued for Villeneuve after he failed to make a first appearance on the charge in Fort Resolution Territorial Court on Aug. 5.

Villeneuve, who resides in Yellowknife, turned himself in to police in the capital city several days later.

He appeared in court and was released with another court date.

After being released, he called the whole issue a "grave misunderstanding."

A charge was not laid in connection with his failure to appear in court in Fort Resolution.