ELECTORAL FINANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY


In 2014, a non-election year, the tax credit amounted to roughly C$25 million.4


In addition to regulating contributions and election expenses reimbursement, the Canada Elections Act regulates how money is spent. Candidates and parties are subject to expense limits during the election period. Such limits vary from riding to riding, as they are calculated according to the number of electors in each electoral district. In Canada’s last general election in 2011 for example, the election expenses limits for political parties varied from C$62,702 to C$21,025,793, depending on the number of electoral districts in which each party endorsed candidates. The limits for candidates ranged from C$69,635 to C$134,352.5 To ensure that limits are not exceeded, there are reporting requirements for parties, candidates and electoral district associations. Following an election, detailed returns must be filed with Elections Canada with audited statements of assets and liabilities, as well as the electoral expenses incurred. Failure to do so results in penalties in the form of reduced reimbursements for expenses.


Conclusion


Any discussion of the state of democracy and the health of an electoral system necessarily involves a consideration of the nature of fundraising, including the limits placed on the amount or sources of fundraising and on election spending.


An interesting point to make on the current federal election campaign in Canada is that it will break spending records because of its length. The last two elections in Canada were both 37 days long, whereas this one will be 77 days long and will, without a doubt, exceed all the previous spending amounts.


With the dramatic changes the Canadian electoral landscape has undergone throughout the last 15 years, it will be truly fascinating to see where the next 15 lead us.


With thanks to: Erin Virgint, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament, Canada.


References 1


Elections Canada, Quarterly Allowances to the Registered


Political Parties (2011) 2


Political Parties (2014) 3


Elections Canada, Quarterly Allowances to the Registered


Elections Canada, Contributions


limits as of 1 January 2015. 4


Department of Finance, Tax


Expenditures and Evaluations 2014 5


Elections Canada, The Electoral System of Canada—Political Financing.


“Any discussion of the state of democracy and the health of an electoral system necessarily involves a consideration of the nature of fundraising, including the limits placed on the amount or sources of fundraising and on election spending.”


The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Three | 163


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