Former deputy prime minister and cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland violated election rules during a 2024 byelection, the Commissioner of Canada Elections said on Friday.

The violation stemmed from comments Freeland made in response to reporter questions following a government announcement, a report from Commissioner Caroline Simard's office said.

Freeland, who was finance minister at the time, was making the announcement in Toronto prior to the byelection in Toronto-St. Paul's.

When asked by reporters about the upcoming vote, Freeland offered "supportive remarks" about Liberal candidate Leslie Church, the report said.

Offering support for a political candidate while using government resources could constitute a contribution to Church's campaign.