Full Breakdown
Former St. John’s Housing Advocate Sentenced for CERB Fraud
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A St. John’s court sentenced former housing advocate Michelle Voisey to ten months’ imprisonment followed by 24 months of probation after she pleaded guilty to fraud involving Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments. The court ordered her to repay the $8,000 taken and barred her from any position of financial authority for 20 years.
Background & Context
Voisey’s fraud stemmed from the misuse of her niece’s Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account to divert CERB funds that the niece had never applied for. The niece reported the missing GST payment, prompting police involvement. Voisey was charged in October 2021 and, by the time of sentencing, had amassed nearly 160 prior convictions, many for fraud, forgery or theft. While her case progressed through the courts, she appeared at a 2023 tent-city protest on Confederation Hill, conducting media interviews and soliciting donations via social media.
Official Statements & Responses
Justice Peter Browne emphasized the deliberate nature of the offence, the breach of trust, and the extensive history of similar conduct in determining the sentence. He noted that Voisey’s guilty plea was a mitigating factor but said her criminal record warranted a substantial custodial term. During sentencing, Voisey’s lawyer presented a letter from her family doctor indicating a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Browne declined to consider the letter without an oral application and expert testimony, and he rejected Voisey’s request to postpone the sentence or to file the application after the hearing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The seriousness of the offence lies not only within the amount taken, but also its deliberate nature, the abuse of trust, the impact on the victim and Ms. Voisey’s extensive history of similar offending,” — Justice Peter Browne
- “This record demonstrates a long standing and deeply entrenched pattern of dishonest conduct,” — Justice Peter Browne
What’s Next
Voisey’s counsel has been contacted for comment on a possible appeal. The sentence will be enforced unless a successful application for a stay or an appeal is filed.