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Public funding
All jurisdictions provide indirect public funding through
a tax credit for political contributions to a candidate or a political party.
The usual maximum tax credit is $500, although Alberta's maximum is $750 and
Quebec allows a maximum credit of $300. Most jurisdictions also provide direct
public funding, usually by reimbursing part of the election expenses of political
parties or candidates, or both. Nine jurisdictions reimburse part of a candidate's
election expenses (all but Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest
Territories and Nunavut). Five of them also reimburse part of the election
expenses of political parties (Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan).
In all cases, the reimbursement is issued on the condition that the political
party or candidate has obtained a certain percentage of the popular vote.
Another form of direct public funding is the annual allowance
for a political party. Canada, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Quebec
pay such allowances. The allowance is based on the number of valid votes received
by the party's candidates in the last general election.
Finally, in some jurisdictions there are provisions for ensuring
that a political party can broadcast its political message. In New Brunswick
and Quebec, the law is that network operators may make time available, although
they are not required to. Federally, every broadcaster must make 6.5 hours
during prime time available to political parties for purchase. Free time must
also be made available, and shared among political parties based on their
allocation of paid time. All broadcasting time is allocated by the Broadcasting
Arbitrator (appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada) according
to a formula in the Canada Elections Act.
Contributions
All jurisdictions restrict in some way the contributions
that a political party, a candidate or any other political entity may receive.
Generally, a contribution may be monetary or non-monetary, although volunteer
labour is not usually included. Eight jurisdictions limit the amount of money
that may be contributed to political parties, candidates or other political
entities. This is the case in Canada, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba,
Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Seven jurisdictions – Canada,
Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
– prohibit foreign contributions or contributions
from outside the jurisdiction. Quebec and Manitoba also prohibit contributions
from a corporation or a trade union, so only contributions from an elector
(Quebec) or an individual (Manitoba) are allowed. The Northwest Territories
and Nunavut also prohibit contributions from trade unions.
Most jurisdictions allow anonymous contributions up to a
specified amount. For any contributions over that amount, the identity of
the contributor must be disclosed or the contributions remitted to the Chief
Electoral Officer.
Expenses
The definition of election expenses varies from one jurisdiction
to another. However, they typically include all costs incurred to promote
or oppose the election of a candidate or a political party. In most jurisdictions,
both direct and indirect expenses are covered, but in Canada, Yukon, the Northwest
Territories and Nunavut, only direct expenses are covered. Usually, the personal
expenses of a candidate, such as for food and lodging, are not included in
the definition of election expenses if they are reasonably incurred, except
in Yukon. To ensure a level playing field among participants, most jurisdictions
limit the election expenses that may be incurred by a political party or a
candidate. Alberta and Yukon are the only two jurisdictions that do not impose
limits on the amount political parties or candidates may spend during an election
campaign. In all other jurisdictions, the limit is usually established according
to a formula based on the number of electors –
for a party, in the electoral districts where it endorses candidates, and
for a candidate, in the electoral district where he or she is running.
Jurisdictions that register third parties (that is, Canada,
Quebec and British Columbia) also establish a limit on election advertising
expenses incurred by them. This limit is a fixed amount specified in the legislation
and is not linked to the number of electors in the electoral district.
Reporting
To ensure transparency and compliance in election financing,
all jurisdictions require candidates and political parties to report to the
Chief Electoral Officer all contributions received and expenses incurred.
Candidates must submit an election expenses report, but political parties,
in most jurisdictions, are required to submit both an expenses return for
any election campaign and an annual report on their finances. Local associations,
leadership contestants and third parties, where required to register, must
also submit a financial report. In Canada, nomination contestants (through
their financial agents) must submit a nomination campaign return reporting
contributions accepted (if they total $1,000 or more) and expenses incurred
(if they total $1,000 or more), within four months after the selection date.
The contents of the reports, as well as the deadlines for submitting them,
vary from one jurisdiction to another. In most cases, an auditor’s report
confirming the accuracy of the candidate’s or political party’s
report must also be submitted. Almost all jurisdictions require the name and
address of each donor who contributed more than a specified amount. Some jurisdictions
also require all receipts and vouchers to be submitted with the financial
report.
Advertising and surveys
To ensure fair competition, all jurisdictions regulate election
advertising. With the exception of Ontario, election advertising must identify
the person or party on whose behalf the advertisement was produced. This is
also true of third party advertising in Canada, Quebec and British Columbia.
Several jurisdictions also impose a blackout on election
advertising broadcasts either on polling day (Canada, Quebec and British Columbia)
or on polling day and the previous day (Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick,
Ontario and the Northwest Territories). An additional blackout period is imposed
at the beginning of the election period in Ontario, from the day the writ
is issued until the 22nd day before polling day, and in Quebec, for the seven
days following the issuance of the writ.
Two jurisdictions, Canada and British Columbia, also regulate
the transmission to the public of the results of an election survey or opinion
poll. In Canada, the first person who transmits the results of an election
survey during an election, and anyone else who transmits them to the public
within 24 hours of the first transmission, are required to provide background
information. This information includes the name of the sponsor, the name of
the organization that conducted the survey, and statistical information related
to the population sample and the margin of error. Similar provisions exist
in British Columbia, but all background information must be presented along
with the results of the survey. Both jurisdictions also require survey sponsors
to produce a report on the survey upon request. This report must provide more
detailed information, such as the sampling and calculation methods and any
weighting or normalization procedures used to produce the final results of
the survey.
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| Jurisdiction |
Reimbursement of
election expenses |
Annual allowances
to political parties |
Tax credit for
political contributions |
Reimbursement of
candidate's deposit |
| Political party |
Candidate |
| Canada |
Receives 50% of expenses incurred, if obtains 2% of valid
votes overall or 5% of valid votes in electoral districts where it ran a
candidate
|
| • |
If obtains 10% of valid votes, then receives 15% of expenses limit |
| • |
If also incurs more than 30% of expenses limit, then receives lesser
of 50% of actual expenses (minus 15% above), or 50% of expenses limit |
|
| • |
For each calendar quarter, to each registered party that received
at least 2% of valid votes at the preceding general election; or 5% of
valid votes in electoral districts where it endorsed a candidate |
| • |
Calculation: $0.4375 x number of valid votes cast in preceding general
election and inflation adjustment factor in effect for that quarter |
|
| • |
Less than $400: 75% |
| • |
Over $400 but less than $750: $300 plus 50% of amount by which contribution
exceeds $400 |
| • |
| Over $750: lesser of: | | • | $650 or | | • | $475 plus 33.33% of amount by which contribution exceeds $750 |
|
|
Yes, when all required financial documents are submitted |
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
– |
If obtains 15% of popular vote, receives 1/3 of actual expenses,
to a maximum of 1/3 of expenses limit |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 but less than $550 |
| • |
Over $550: $300 + 33.33% of amount over $550 but less than $1,150 |
| • |
Maximum deduction: $500 |
|
Yes, when expenses provisions are met, writ is withdrawn,
or candidate is acclaimed |
| Prince Edward Island |
– |
If obtains 15% of popular vote, receives $0.75 per elector
on official list; minimum payment of $1,500, maximum payment of $3,000 |
| • |
To each registered party with one or more seats |
| • |
Calculation: number of valid votes for party's candidates at last
general election x amount fixed by Lieutenant Governor in Council (maximum
$2.00) |
|
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 |
| • |
Over $550: lesser of ($300 + 33.33% of amount over $550) or $500 |
|
Yes, to an elected candidate and a candidate who receives
at least half the number of votes received by elected candidate |
| Nova Scotia |
– |
If obtains 15% of valid votes, receives $0.25 per elector
on official list |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 but less than $550 |
| • |
Over $550: lesser of ($300 + 33.33% of amount over $550) or $500 |
|
Yes, to an elected candidate and a candidate who receives
at least 15% of valid votes and who conforms with expenses provisions |
| New Brunswick |
– |
If obtains 15% of valid votes overall, receives lesser of
actual expenses incurred or $0.35 per elector in electoral district + cost
of mailing 1 oz. first-class letter to each elector |
| • |
To each party in Legislature or party that ran 10 candidates at last
general election |
| • |
Calculation: number of valid votes for party's candidates x X,
where X is $1.30 x Consumer Price Index |
|
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 |
| • |
Over $550: lesser of ($300 + 33.33% of amount over $550) or $500
|
|
Yes, to an elected candidate and a candidate who receives
at least half the number of votes received by elected candidate |
| Quebec |
If obtains 1% of valid votes, receives 50% of incurred expenses,
to a maximum of $0.60 per elector for all electoral divisions in which it
ran candidates |
If obtains 15% of valid votes, receives 50% of incurred
expenses, to a maximum of $1.00 per elector in electoral division |
| • |
To authorized parties |
| • |
Calculation: percentage of valid votes obtained by party at last general
election x $0.50 x number of electors on lists for that election |
|
| • |
75% of first $400 |
| • |
Maximum credit of $300 |
|
– |
| Ontario |
Receives $0.05 per elector in any electoral district where
it received 15% of popular vote |
If obtains 15% of popular vote, receives lesser of 20% of
incurred expenses or 20% of expenses limit |
– |
| • |
Less than $300: 75% |
| • |
$300 – $1,000: 75% of $300 + 50% of amount over $300 |
| • |
More than $1,000: lesser of tax credit limit or amount obtained using
the formula 0.75(A) + 0.50(B – A) + 0.333(C
– B), where A is first contribution level, B
is second contribution level, and C is total amount contributed |
|
Yes, to a candidate who receives at least 10% of valid votes
|
| Manitoba |
If obtains 10% of valid votes, receives lesser of 50% of
expenses limit or 50% of actual expenses |
If obtains 10% of valid votes, receives lesser of 50% of
expenses limit or 50% of actual expenses |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 |
| • |
Over $550: lesser of ($300 + 33.33% of amount over $550) or $500 |
|
– |
| Saskatchewan |
If obtains 15% of valid votes, receives lesser of $195 407
(adjusted) or 1/3 of incurred expenses |
If obtains 15% of valid votes, receives 50% of incurred
expenses |
– |
| • |
$200 or less: 75% |
| • |
Between $200 and $550: $150 plus 50% of amount over $200 |
| • |
More than $550: lesser of ($325 + 33 1/3% of amount over $550) or
$500 |
|
Yes, to an elected candidate, a candidate who receives at
least half the votes received by elected candidate and who conforms with
expenses provisions, a candidate where election is found void, and a candidate
whose nomination is refused by returning officer |
| Alberta |
– |
– |
– |
| • |
Less than $150: 75% |
| • |
$150 – $825: $112.50 + 50% of amount over $150 |
| • |
Over $825: lesser of $750 or ($450 + 33.33% of amount over $825) |
|
Yes, to an elected candidate, a candidate who receives at
least half the number of votes received by elected candidate, and a candidate
who withdraws within 48 hours of filing his or her nomination papers |
| British Columbia |
– |
– |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 |
| • |
Over $550: lesser of ($300 + 33.33% of amount over $550) or $500 |
|
Yes, to a candidate who receives at least 15% of total votes
counted
|
| Yukon |
– |
– |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 75% |
| • |
$100 – $550: $75 + 50% of amount over $100 |
| • |
Over $550: lesser of ($300 + 33.33% of amount over $550) or $500 |
|
Yes, to a candidate who receives at least 25% of number
of votes received by elected candidate |
| Northwest Territories |
No political parties |
– |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 100% |
| • |
Over $100: lesser of ($100 + 50% of amount over $100) or $500 |
|
Yes, to a candidate who is elected, a candidate who receives
at least half the number of votes received by elected candidate, and a candidate
where writ is withdrawn |
| Nunavut |
No political parties |
– |
– |
| • |
Less than $100: 100% |
| • |
Over $100: lesser of ($100 + 50% of amount over $100) or $500
|
|
Yes, to any candidate who files complete return within post-election
period, and a candidate where writ is withdrawn |
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| Jurisdiction |
Limit on contributions |
Allowable sources |
| Contributors outside jurisdiction |
Individuals |
Corporations |
Trade unions |
Anonymous contributors |
| Canada |
| • |
$5,000 total per year from an individual to a registered party and
its registered associations, nomination contestants and candidates; to
candidates (for a particular election) not of a registered party; and
to leadership contestants in a particular leadership contest |
| • |
$1,000 total per year from corporations and trade unions to registered
associations, nomination contestants and candidates of a registered party,
and to candidates (for a particular election) not of a registered party |
| • |
$1,000 total per year (for a particular election) from associations
using money provided by individuals to registered associations, nomination
contestants and candidates of a registered party; and candidates (for
a particular election) not of a registered party |
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (up to $200) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (up to $100)
|
| Prince Edward Island |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No
|
| Nova Scotia |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No
|
| New Brunswick |
$6,000 per year from an individual, corporation or trade
union to each registered political party or its district association and
to one independent candidate |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Quebec |
$3,000 total from same elector in same year to each party,
independent member and independent candidate |
No |
Yes (electors) |
No |
No
|
Yes (up to $200) |
| Ontario |
From a person, corporation or trade union:
| • |
To each party: $7,500 per year x indexation factor |
| • |
To each constituency association: $1,000 per year x indexation factor |
| • |
To constituency associations of any one party: $5,000 per year x indexation
factor |
| • |
To each candidate: $1,000 per campaign x indexation factor |
| • |
To candidates endorsed by one party: $5,000 total per campaign x indexation
factor |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Manitoba |
$3,000 in a calendar year from an individual to candidates,
constituency associations or registered political parties or any combination
of them |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes (up to $10) |
| Saskatchewan |
– |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (up to $250) |
| Alberta |
From any person, corporation, trade union or employee organization:
| In a year – |
| • |
To a party: $15,000 |
| • |
To a constituency association: $750 |
| • |
To constituency associations of each party: $3,750 |
| During a campaign – |
| • |
To a party: $30,000 |
| • |
To a candidate: $1,500 |
| • |
To candidates of each party: $7,500 |
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (up to $50) |
| British Columbia |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (up to $50) |
| Yukon |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (up to $50) |
| Northwest Territories |
From an individual or corporation to
a candidate during a campaign: $1,5001 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes (up to $100) |
| Nunavut |
From an individual or corporation to
a candidate during a campaign: $1,5001 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes (up to $100) |
1 Political parties do not exist in the Northwest Territories
or Nunavut.
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| Jurisdiction |
Political parties – election expenses |
Candidates – election expenses |
Nomination contestants – nomination campaign
expenses |
| Canada |
$0.70 x number of names on preliminary or revised lists of electors
(whichever is greater) in electoral districts where party endorses a candidate
x inflation index factor
By-election: same as above
|
Aggregate of:
| • |
$2.07 x first 15 000 electors on preliminary or revised lists of
electors (whichever is greater) |
| • |
$1.04 x next 10 000 electors |
| • |
$0.52 x number of remaining electors |
By-election: same as above
|
Nomination contestants:
| • |
20% x amount allowed for candidate’s election expenses in that
electoral district in immediately preceding general election, if boundaries
for that electoral district have not changed |
| • |
In any other case, as determined by Chief Electoral Officer |
|
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
$3.125 x number of names on revised list of electors in electoral districts
where party endorses a candidate; minimum $12,000 for each electoral district
By-election: same as above
|
$3.125 x number of names on revised list
of electors; minimum $12,000
By-election: same as above
|
–
|
| Prince Edward Island |
$6.00 x number of electors entitled to vote in electoral districts where
party endorses an official candidate
By-election: same as above
|
$1.75 x number of electors entitled to vote
By-election: same as above
|
– |
| Nova Scotia |
$0.40 x number of electors in electoral districts where party endorses
an official candidate
By-election: $1,000
|
Aggregate of:
| • |
$1.00 x first 5,000 electors |
| • |
$0.85 x next 5,000 electors |
| • |
$0.75 x number of remaining electors |
By-election: same as above
|
– |
| New Brunswick |
$1.00 x number of electors in electoral districts where
party endorses a candidate
By-election: $7,000 |
$1.75 x number of electors but never less than $11,000 or more than
$22,000
By-election: $2.00 x number of electors; minimum $11,000, maximum $22,000
|
– |
| Quebec |
$0.60 x number of electors in electoral divisions where
party endorses an official candidate
By-election: political parties may not incur expenses |
Must not exceed $1.00 per elector
By-election: $1.60 per elector
|
– |
| Ontario |
$0.60 x indexation factor x number of electors in electoral
districts where party endorses an official candidate
By-election: same as above |
$0.96 x indexation factor x number of electors
By-election: same as above
|
– |
| Manitoba |
$1.40 x number of names on final voters lists in electoral
divisions where party endorses a candidate
By-election: $2.60 x number of names on final voters lists |
Electoral divisions with
| • |
less than 30,000 square miles2: $2.20 x number of names on final
voters lists |
| • |
more than 30,000 square miles2: $3.50 x number of names on final
voters lists |
By-election: same as above
|
– |
| Saskatchewan |
$651 355 (adjusted)
By-election:
| • |
Northern constituencies (2 constituencies): $39,082 (adjusted) per
candidate endorsed |
| • |
Southern constituencies: the greater of $32,567 (adjusted) or $2.60
(adjusted) x number of names on voters list, per candidate |
|
| • |
Northern constituencies: the greater of $52,108 (adjusted) or $5.21
(adjusted) x number of names on voters list |
| • |
Southern constituencies: the greater of $39 082 (adjusted) or $2.60
(adjusted) x number of names on voters list |
By-election: same as above
|
– |
| Alberta |
– |
– |
– |
| British Columbia |
$1.25 x number of registered voters in electoral districts where party
endorses a candidate
By-election: same as above
|
| • |
Where 25,000 or fewer registered voters: $50,000 |
| • |
Where more than 25,000 registered voters: $50,000 and $0.50 for every
registered voter in excess of 25,000 |
| • |
Where fewer than 2 registered voters per square kilometre, add $0.30
x number of square kilometres in electoral district; maximum increase
of 25% of electoral district limit as determined by number of registered
voters |
By-election: same as above
|
– |
| Yukon |
– |
– |
– |
| Northwest Territories |
No political parties |
$30,000 |
– |
| Nunavut |
No political parties |
$30,000 |
– |
1 All jurisdictions except Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories
and Nunavut adjust spending limits according to the Consumer Price Index
(CPI).
2 1 square mile = 2.59 km2.
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| Jurisdiction |
Restrictions on advertising |
Authorization |
Restrictions on opinion polls |
| Limit on spending |
Blackout period |
Government advertising |
| Canada |
Third party: (subject to index factor)
$3,000 per electoral district, to a maximum of $150,000 nationally per
election period |
Polling day until close of all polls
in electoral district |
No transmission through government means |
Any advertising must indicate that it
was authorized by candidate's official agent or registered agent of political
party |
Upon first release and upon release within
24 hours of first release, any opinion poll or survey must publish identifying
information, dates, number of people contacted and margin of error. For
published surveys, must provide wording of questions, and more detailed
and statistical information upon request. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
– |
Polling day and day before polling day |
– |
Authorizing person, union, corporation,
candidate or political party, as well as sponsor of the advertising, must
be identified in writing to publisher |
– |
| Prince Edward Island |
– |
– |
– |
Authorizing person, union, corporation or political party,
as well as sponsor of the advertising, must be identified in writing to
publisher or broadcaster, and all election advertising must make reference
to this information |
– |
| Nova Scotia |
– |
– |
– |
Any advertisement must bear name and address of the printer
and of the person on whose behalf it was printed, published or broadcast |
– |
| New Brunswick |
| • |
Political party: $35,000 per year |
| • |
District association or independent candidate: $2,000 per year |
|
Polling day and day before polling day
|
– |
Every advertisement must bear the name of the person who
ordered it published or broadcast |
– |
| Quebec |
Authorized private intervenor: $300 |
The 7 days following election order; polling day |
– |
Any radio or television broadcaster that airs advertising
must mention at beginning or end of advertisement name and title of official
agent or deputy official agent responsible for advertisement |
– |
| Ontario |
– |
From issue of writ until 22nd day before polling day, polling
day and day before polling day |
– |
– |
– |
| Manitoba |
Political party: subject to inflation adjustment)
| • |
Election: $0.70 x number of names on final voters lists for all electoral
divisions in which party endorses candidates |
| • |
By-election: $1.30 x number of names on final voters lists for electoral
division |
| • |
Annual (outside election period): $50 000 |
Candidate: (subject to inflation adjustment) $0.45 x number of names
on final voters lists for electoral division |
– |
No government department or Crown corporation may advertise
during election period (there are some exceptions) |
No advertising may be shown without written approval of
official agent or chief financial officer of political party, which must
be displayed with advertisement |
– |
| Saskatchewan |
Political party: adjusted amount of $195,407 per year for
a registered political party, including its associations, candidates, and
members of Legislative Assembly who are members of registered political
party and using funds provided by registered political party |
– |
No government department, board, commission, Crown corporation
or government agency may advertise during election period |
No person may distribute advertising that does not bear
name and address of person who authorized it to be produced, published or
distributed |
– |
| Alberta |
– |
– |
– |
Every printed advertisement must bear name and address of
person who sponsored it, unless advertisement includes the party's colours
and logo, party name, or candidate name |
– |
| British Columbia |
– |
Polling day |
– |
All election advertising must identify name of sponsor or
financial agent, indicate that it was authorized by that person, and give
telephone number or mailing address of that person |
Upon first publication, any opinion poll or survey must
include identifying and contact information, dates, respondent data, wording
of questions, margin of error; with more detailed and statistical information
upon request |
| Yukon |
– |
– |
– |
All advertising must bear the name and address of person
who sponsored it |
– |
| Northwest Territories |
– |
Polling day and day before polling day |
– |
A person who causes an advertisement to be published must
identify the sponsor in writing to the publisher |
– |
| Nunavut |
– |
– |
– |
All campaign material, including radio, television and Internet
advertisements, must identify campaign manager, sponsor or financial agent
in accordance with Chief Electoral Officer’s guidelines |
– |
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