Two questions are left hanging after the RCMP executed a search warrant at Conservative Party headquarters yesterday on behalf of Elections Canada : What records was the electoral watchdog looking for? And why did it take a search warrant to get them? While the court case grinds, so has [Commissioner of Elections William Corbett's] investigation. He can refer a case to the public prosecutor, but he does not have the power to subpoena records or compel witnesses to testify. If he wants documents that someone will not provide, he must ask a court to issue a search warrant or subpoena. According to Elections Canada's manual for investigators, before a warrant is obtained, a "suspect" in an investigation must first be asked for the documents and told he or she has the right to refuse.