Candidate Campaign Returns

Introduction

Regulation of election financing

In 1874, Parliament introduced mechanisms to regulate the financing of federal elections. The Dominion Elections Act then required candidates to file an election expenses return.

In 1974, following the work of two special committees on election spending, the Barbeau Committee (1966) and the Chappell Committee (1971), the Canada Elections Act was amended to include the imposition of a limit on the election expenses of candidates and the reimbursement of a portion of the election expenses incurred by candidates.

The passage of Bill C-411, in June 1998, provided for candidates or official agents to apply to the Chief Electoral Officer to receive authorization to amend the original return, to receive and to pay unpaid claims, and to transmit to the returning officer a return within an extended time without the involvement of the courts.

Bill C-2, which came into force on September 1, 2000, modifies the federal electoral system to make it more accessible, fair and transparent.

Bill C-24, which came into force on January 1, 2004, introduced new limits on political contributions and imposed a ban on contributions from unions and corporations to political parties and leadership contestants.

Bill C-2, the Federal Accountability Act, which came into force on January 1, 2007, made changes to a number of acts, among them the Canada Elections Act.  As of January 1, 2007, only citizens and permanent residents of Canada can make political donations to registered parties, registered electoral district associations, candidates, nomination contestants and leadership contestants.  The limits on contributions were also reduced.

Electoral campaign returns

Under section 451 of the Act, the official agent of every candidate at an election is required to present to the Chief Electoral Officer, within four months after the day set for polling day, the Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return which sets out the information on the candidate's campaign, such as expenses, contributions, and transfers as well as other required documents including the auditor's report relating to the return.

Contributions

Contributions to candidates may be made in the form of money, goods or services. The Act sets limits on the amount that may be contributed to a candidate. A candidate's official agent may not issue receipts for income tax purposes for contributions to a candidate until the returning officer has confirmed the candidate's nomination. For further information about issuing receipts valid for income tax purposes, see the information circular published by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Election expenses and personal expenses

An election expense includes any cost incurred, or non-monetary contribution received, by a registered party or a candidate, to the extent that the property or service for which the cost was incurred, or the non-monetary contribution received, is used to directly promote or oppose a candidate during an election period.

Candidates may also declare personal expenses, which the Act defines as any reasonable amount incurred in relation to his or her campaign and include travel, living, childcare, dependent care and other related expenses. Candidates with a disability may also include expenses specifically related to their disability.

Personal expenses are not included in the total amount of election expenses subject to the limit. However, they are included for the purpose of reimbursement.

Election expenses limits

The Act limits the amount a candidate may spend during an election.

The election expenses limit for a candidate is based on the number of names on the lists of electors in the electoral district in which the candidate is seeking election. The national average of electors by riding, the population density as well as the inflation adjustment factor are also taken into consideration in this calculation. The limit therefore varies from district to district.

Reimbursements

The Canada Elections Act provides for the reimbursement of a portion of the election expenses and personal expenses incurred by candidates.

A candidate is entitled to a reimbursement of 60 percent of election expenses and personal expenses paid and declared, to a maximum of 60 percent of the expenses limit, if the candidate was elected or obtained at least 10 percent of the valid votes cast.

An initial reimbursement equal to 15 percent of the election expenses limit is paid to qualifying candidates upon the receipt of a return of the writ. Once the candidate's election expenses return has been reviewed, the final reimbursement is paid.

Surplus of electoral funds

A surplus of electoral funds occurs when a candidate's electoral campaign revenues exceed the sum of the candidate's electoral campaign expenses paid and the amounts transferred by the candidate to the registered party, to an electoral district association or to his or her nomination campaign.

The Act requires that a surplus of electoral funds be paid to the registered party that endorsed the candidate or to the registered electoral district association of that party in the candidate's electoral district, or to the Receiver General for Canada if the candidate was not endorsed by a registered party.

In the case where the official agent receives a notice of estimated surplus from the Chief Electoral Officer, the official agent shall dispose of the surplus within 60 days after receiving the notice. In the case where the official agent has not received the above notice, the surplus shall be disposed within 60 days of the date on which the candidate's official agent receives the reimbursement of the candidate's expenses, or the date on which the candidate receives his or her nomination deposit, whichever is later; or if the candidate is not entitled to the reimbursement, 60 days after the candidate's electoral campaign return is filed.

Within seven days after disposing of a candidate's surplus electoral funds, the official agent must notify the Chief Electoral Officer by submitting the Candidate's Statement of Surplus/Updated Electoral Campaign Return (EC 20048) of the amount and date of the disposal and to whom the surplus was paid.

NOTE TO THE READER

Rounding of figures

Because the figures given in the tables in this report were rounded, there may be some discrepancies in the totals.

Appointment of auditor

The Act requires that the auditor appointed by a candidate be a member in good standing of a corporation, an association or an institute of professional accountants. Included in this definition are offices in which all the associates are such members.

Correcting a return

The Act provides for candidates and official agents to apply in writing to the Chief Electoral Officer for authorization to correct an error or omission discovered in the original return.

Updated return

Where claims are paid after filing the initial return and after obtaining the written authorization from the Chief Electoral Officer, the candidate's official agent must present an updated return detailing the nature of the transaction.

You will find below information about the Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return and the instructions given to their official agent for filling it out.

Introduction

As the candidate’s official agent, you must submit the Candidate’s Electoral Campaign Return (EC 20120) to the Chief Electoral Officer within four months of election day. This introduction to the form has three sections: a brief description of the contents of the four parts of the form, notes on revenues and notes on expenses. It is followed by detailed instructions for filling out each statement and other information that make up the completed return.

The parts of form EC 20120

The following sections of the form indicate the bookkeeping records that you must maintain, together with supporting invoices, receipts and vouchers, bank statements, cancelled cheques, deposit slips, copies of receipts that have been issued for contributions, and details of anonymous contributions of $20 or less.

Part 1. Campaign information and declaration

Part 2. Cash inflows

Part 3. Cash outflows

Part 4. Summary and cash reconciliation

Accounting system - notes on revenues

You must deposit all campaign revenues in the campaign bank account. You should maintain files and records containing:

• copies of all documents relating to revenues, such as promissory notes for loans
• copies of all receipts issued for all monetary and non-monetary contributions over $20
• records of proceeds from fundraising functions
• copies of all bank statements and deposit slips, and
• the name and address of every contributor and lender, as well as the amount and date of each contribution or loan

You must follow these procedures for handling receipts valid for income tax purposes:

• Send the original copy of the receipt (marked Contributor’s Copy) to the contributor.
• Not later than one month after election day, you must submit to the returning officer the Record of Official Receipts (EC 20070), all unused receipts, and the third copy of all issued receipts (marked Returning Officer).
• Forward the second copy of all issued receipts to the Chief Electoral Officer, along with your completed Candidate’s Electoral Campaign Return, no later than four months after election day.
• Retain the fourth copy of all issued receipts (marked Official Agent’s File ) for your records.
• Not later than four months after election day, submit a completed Contributions to a Candidate at an Election Information Return (T 2093) to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Accounting system - notes on expenses

Within three months after election day, you must obtain from the candidate the Candidate’s Statement of Personal Expenses (EC 20220) showing the details of all personal expenses paid by the candidate that you have not reimbursed. Personal expenses paid by the candidate and not reimbursed within four months after election day should be reported as unpaid claims if the intention is to reimburse the candidate, and as discount expenses and non-monetary contributions if the intention is not to reimburse the candidate.

A voucher must support all expenses of $50 or more. Vouchers include invoices, pro-forma invoices, receipts, packing slips, bills of lading, contracts and so forth. You should number the vouchers starting with number 1. That number will also be recorded in part 3a (statement of electoral campaign expenses), and in part 3b (statement of electoral campaign expenses other than election expenses).

Within four months after election day, you must submit originals of the vouchers, along with all returned cheques, deposit slips and bank statements, with the completed Candidate’s Electoral Campaign Return. You should retain copies of all vouchers and cheques for your files.

If reported election expenses are to be eligible for reimbursement and in compliance with the Canada Elections Act, they must all be paid from the campaign bank account, and all personal expenses of the candidate must be paid by the candidate or paid from the campaign bank account. 

Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return

Part 1. Campaign information and declaration

In this part, you as the official agent report administrative information about the candidate’s electoral campaign. Both you and the candidate must sign a declaration about the completeness and accuracy of the return.

A. Event information

Enter the name of the event (for example, 40th general election), the election date, the electoral district code, and the name of the electoral district.

B. Candidate's information

Enter the full name, address, residence telephone number, business telephone number, e-mail address, and political affiliation of the candidate.

C. Official agent's information

Enter your full name, address, residence telephone number, business telephone number, and e-mail address.

D. Type of return

Indicate the type of return you are filing:

• a full return, in which case you must complete and submit all parts of the return, even if some are nil, or
• a nil return with no contributions or expenses other than the nomination deposit, in which case you must submit only part 1 and the Candidate’s Statement of Personal Expenses (EC 20220). Since the use of the candidate’s own funds is considered to be a contribution, the candidate’s personal expenses must also be nil.

You must file a completed  return with the Chief Electoral Officer, together with the Candidate’s Statement of Personal Expenses, the auditor’s report, checklist and invoice, and all invoices, vouchers, receipts, cancelled cheques, deposit slips and bank statements.

E. Declaration

This section contains the candidate’s and official agent’s declaration about the completeness and accuracy of the return. Both you and the candidate must sign and put the date in the space indicated.

F. Nomination deposit

Check the box corresponding to whoever or which organization paid the candidate’s $1,000 nomination deposit. If you check the Other box, be sure to include the full name and address of the individual who paid the deposit. If the nomination deposit was paid from the campaign account, you should also report the transaction in column 9 of part 3a (amounts not included in election expenses), and in part 3b (statement of electoral campaign expenses other than election expenses declared in part 3a, column 9).

Part 2a. Statement of contributions received

You must give the full name and address of each contributor who has donated a total amount of funds and goods or services greater than $200.

Elections Canada recommends that you inform your contributors of the requirement for the Chief Electoral Officer to publish the names and addresses of individuals who give contributions of a value greater than $200, under section 412 of the Canada Elections Act.

1. Determine the total monetary and non-monetary amount contributed by each campaign contributor. 

2. For multiple contributions from the same contributor that total an amount greater than $200, for each contribution enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount, and
   • in the last row used for the same contributor, the total amount for that contributor

   If for example, the same contributor made three separate contributions -  two $75.00 monetary contributions and one $75.00 non-monetary contribution - for a grand total of $225.00, you would use one row to report the amount and date received for each $75.00 contribution and enter $225.00 in the “Total per contributor” column of the third row. Enter the name and address of the contributor in all three rows.

3. For single contributions greater than $200, enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount, and
   • the total amount per contributor
4. Use as many pages as necessary for carrying forward the totals from the previous pages.
5. For all aggregated contributions of $200 or less, other than contributions described in point 6 below, on the last page that you use for part 2a, in the row titled “Total amount of monetary and non-monetary contributions of $200 or less”, enter the total amount of contributions of $200 or less and the total number of contributors of $200 or less in column 1 for monetary contributions and in column 2 for non-monetary contributions. Total columns 1 and 2 in column 3. In calculating the number of contributors, be sure to count multiple contributions from the same individual as one contributor.
6. For anonymous contributions of $20 or less, on the last page that you use for part 2a, enter in columns 1 and 2 the total amount and the approximate number of contributors for both monetary and non-monetary contributions, and enter in column 3 the total amounts and number of contributors. Be sure to include the supporting documentation for all anonymous contributions: a description of the function at which the contributions were collected, the date of the function, the approximate number of people at the function, and the total amount of anonymous contributions accepted.
7. On the last page of part 2a, enter the total amount of all contributions and the total number of contributors in the last two rows.

Part 2b. Statement of contributions received - Details of operating loans

In this part of the return, you must provide information on any loans taken out by the campaign.

You should be aware that if an interest rate less than the market rate at the time the loan was received is charged on a loan from an individual, a non-monetary contribution equal to the value of the foregone interest was made to the campaign. If the value of the contribution is less than or equal to $200 and the lender is not normally in the business of lending, no contribution needs to be reported. But if the value of the contribution is greater than $200 or if the lender is in the business of lending funds, a non-monetary contribution must be reported in part 2a.

1. Enter the date the loan was received, the full names of the lender and of the guarantor (if applicable).
2. Enter the complete address of the lender.
3. Enter the interest rate.
4. Enter the principal of the loan in column 1 for loans from individuals and in column 2 for loans from others.
5. Record the total amount and number of lenders for each category (individuals and others).
6. In the overdraft / line of credit row, indicate whether or not an overdraft or line of credit was used by checking the Y or N box. If yes, record the name and address of the financial institution, the interest rate, and the maximum amount drawn on the overdraft or line of credit.

Part 2c. Statement of contributions received - Contributions returned to donors or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the Act

In this part, you must provide details of any monetary contribution deposited in the campaign bank account, or non-monetary contribution used, when the amount or commercial value of the contribution is subsequently returned to the donor or remitted to the Chief Electoral Officer.

1. Enter the date you received the returned or remitted contribution.
2. If available, enter the full name and address of the contributor, and check the box corresponding to the class of contributor (A for individuals and B for others).
3. Enter the amount of the monetary contribution or the commercial value of the non-monetary contribution, and enter the date the contribution was returned to the donor or the date the contribution was remitted to the Chief Electoral Officer.
4. If you use more than one page, carry forward the total of the monetary and non-monetary columns on the last page of part 2c.

Part 2d. Statement of transfers received

In this part, you provide the details of all funds and goods and services transferred from a registered party or a registered association and all funds transferred by a nomination contestant.

1. Enter the date you received each transfer of funds or goods and services.
2. Enter the name of the registered party, registered association or nomination contestant that made the transfer.
3. Enter the monetary or non-monetary amount of the transfer in the appropriate column.
4. Repeat this process for all transfers you received.
5. Carry forward the totals from any previous pages to the last page, and enter the total of each column in the Total row.

Part 2e. Statement of cash inflows other than contributions, loans and transfers

Use this part to report other cash inflows, such as:

• the non-contribution portion of any fundraising revenue (the non-contribution portion is the fair market value of the benefit received by individuals that attended the event)
• bank interest earned
• refunds from suppliers
• returned cash advances, and

• proceeds from the sale of any purchased assets (a fax machine or computer, for example)

  1. Enter the date you received the cash inflow, and an explanation of what kind it is.
  2. Record in the appropriate column the amount of the cash inflows you received.
  3. Repeat this process for all other cash inflows you received.
  4. If you received an initial reimbursement of election expenses from Elections Canada (equal to 15% of the election expenses limit for the electoral district), record the reimbursement in column 6.
  5. Carry forward any totals from previous pages, if necessary, and give the totals of each of columns 1 to 6.
  6. Enter the grand total of columns 1 to 6 in the Grand total box.

Part 2f. Summary of contributions, loans, transfers and other cash inflows

In this part, you summarize the contributions, loans, transfers and other cash inflows reported in parts 2a, 2b, 2d and 2e and in form EC 20161, where applicable.

1. In row 1, enter the monetary and non-monetary contributions and the number of contributions reported in the last two rows of part 2a.
2. In row 2, enter the total amount and the number of monetary and non-monetary contributions received before January 1, 2007 and reported in the Contributions Received Prior to January 1, 2007 (EC 20161). The candidate’s kit includes a copy of this form.
3. In row 3, enter the sum of rows 1 and 2.
4. In row 4, enter the total amount and the number of loans reported from individuals in part 2b.
5. In row 5, enter the total amount and the number of loans reported from others in part 2b.
6. In row 6, enter the sum of rows 4 and 5.
7. In row 7, enter the monetary and non-monetary transfers received from the registered party reported in the first two columns of part 2d.
8. In row 8, enter the monetary and non-monetary transfers received from registered associations reported in the third and fourth columns of part 2d.
9. In row 9, enter the monetary transfers received from nomination contestants reported in the fifth column of part 2d.
10. In row 10, enter the sum of rows 7 to 9.
11. In row 11, enter the total of other cash inflows reported in the last row of part 2e.
12. In column 3, for all rows total columns 1 and 2.
13. In row 12, enter the sum of rows 3, 6, 10 and 11.

As a test, if you add column 1 of row 12 and the total of all returned monetary contributions in part 2c, the sum should equal the total credits to the campaign bank account plus any deposits in transit. It should also equal the sum of box 8a and box 8e in part 4. If the amounts differ, you have either missed a transaction or reported an incorrect amount for a transaction in the return.

Part 3a. Statement of electoral campaign expenses

The Act defines an election expense as any cost incurred or non-monetary contribution received by a candidate, to the extent that the property or service for which the cost was incurred, or the non-monetary contribution received, is used to directly promote or oppose a registered party, its leader or a candidate during an election period. The expenses that meet this definition will appear in columns 1 to 7 of this statement. Personal expenses of the candidate are not considered to be election expenses, and are recorded in column 8. All other expenses appear in column 9.

Goods and services may be paid for, donated or remain unpaid. In the appropriate column, enter the amount of payment, the commercial value of the goods or services donated, and any amount remaining unpaid.

1. Date: Enter the date on which the expense was incurred.
2. Supplier: Enter the name of the firm, organization or person providing the goods and services.
3. Cheque number: You should number cheques consecutively. Enter the number of the cheque in this column. If the full value of goods or services is donated or remains unpaid, leave the column blank.
4. Voucher number: Vouchers must support expenses valued at $50 or more. If an individual supplies goods or services and does not provide an invoice, you must prepare a pro forma voucher. You must assign a number consecutively to each invoice or voucher, write it on each invoice or voucher, and enter it in this column.
5. Amount paid: Enter the amount paid to the supplier and for whom a cheque is prepared.
6. Discounts: Enter the difference between the amount charged to the campaign and the commercial value of the goods or services. If the goods or services were provided free of charge, enter the full commercial value in this column. If the commercial value is $200 or less, do not enter goods or services donated by persons not in the business of supplying these goods or services. Each amount must also appear in part 2a as a non-monetary contribution, in part 2c as a returned non-monetary contribution, or in part 2d as a non-monetary transfer from a registered party or a registered association.
7. Unpaid claim: Enter the amount of the claim that remains unpaid to the supplier four months after polling day. The disputed portion of an unpaid claim is not considered to be an election expense, and you should report it in column 9 (amounts not included in election expenses). You will have to complete part 3d regarding the unpaid claims.
8. Commercial value of goods and services: Enter the current commercial value of the goods or services under the appropriate column or columns. The commercial value that you enter should be equal to the sum of the amount paid, the discount and the unpaid claim columns for that line.
   
   All amounts you enter in column 8 (candidate’s personal expenses) are classified by category (such as travel, accommodation and so forth) in part 3c.
   
   You will have to explain all amounts you enter in column 9 ( amounts not included in election expenses ) in part 3b. These amounts include fundraising costs, expenses incurred before the writ was issued, and expenses incurred after the election date.
9. Total the columns individually. The total of expenses entered in columns 1 to 9 must equal the sum of amounts paid, discounts, and unpaid claims.
10. On the last page of the statement, add columns 1 to 7. This amount will be the total election expenses subject to the limit.

Part 3b. Statement of electoral campaign expenses other than election expenses declared in part 3a, column 9

In this part, you provide details on all expenses reported in column 9 of part 3a. The grand total of part 3b must be equal to the total of column 9 in part 3a.

1. Date: Enter the date on which the expense was incurred.
2. Supplier: Enter the name of the firm, organization or person providing the goods and services.
3. Cheque number: Enter the cheque number reported in part 3a.
4. Voucher number: Enter the voucher number reported in part 3a.
5. Discount: Enter the difference between the amount paid and the commercial value of the goods or services. If the goods or services were provided free of charge, you must enter the full commercial value in this column.
6. Unpaid Claim: Enter the amount of the claim that remains unpaid to the supplier.
7. Amount: Enter the amount under the appropriate column.
8. Explanation: Explain why this electoral campaign expense does not meet the statutory definition of an election expense (for example, because it is a post-election expense).
9. On the last page of this part, add columns 1 to 7.

Part 3c. Statement concerning personal expenses declared in part 3a, column 8

The Act defines a personal expense of a candidate as his or her electoral campaign expenses, other than election expenses, that are reasonably incurred in relation to his or her campaign. The amount reported in this part must be equal to the amount reported in column 8 of part 3a.

1. Transportation costs to the electoral district: Report the transportation costs incurred by the candidate to travel to his or her electoral district. Divide the expenses among mileage, public transportation, rental, gas, oil, repairs, and so forth.
2. Transportation costs within the electoral district: Report the transportation costs incurred by the candidate to travel within his or her electoral district. Divide the expenses among mileage, public transportation, rental, gas, oil, repairs, and so forth.
3. Cost of temporary lodging necessary for the election: Report the costs of temporary lodging incurred by the candidate during the election campaign. Divide the costs among hotel or motel, apartment and condominium, or other (you must provide the details on a separate sheet).
4. Cost of meals and incidental expenses related to the campaign: Report the costs of meals and other expenses incurred during the electoral campaign.
5. All other necessary personal expenses related to the campaign: Report all other necessary personal expenses incurred during the electoral campaign.
6. Total personal expenses of the candidate: Add items 1 to 5.
7. Remuneration of representatives of the candidate present at a polling station: Report any remuneration paid to representatives of the candidate at a polling station.
8. Total expenses of the candidate including representatives of the candidate at a polling station : Add the total of personal expenses of the candidate (item 6) and the remuneration of representatives of the candidate at a polling station (item 7). The total of personal expenses presented in part 3c must equal the total of personal expenses from column 8 of part 3a.
9. Personal expenses paid by the candidate and not reimbursed by the official agent: Report all personal expenses entered as unpaid claims or discounts in part 3a and 3d. Do not include unpaid claims or discounts provided by any supplier other than the candidate.

Part 3d. Statement of unpaid claims declared in part 3a

In this part, list all the claims that remain unpaid four months after election day. Whether these claims are disputed or undisputed, you may not pay them without the authorization of the Chief Electoral Officer.

If the authorization is refused or any conditions of the authorization are not met, an application may be made to a judge by you, the candidate or the claimant to authorize the payment of the claim.

1. Full name of supplier: Enter the name of the supplier. If the supplier is an individual, you must provide the family name, given name and, if applicable, initial. If the supplier is a corporation or a business, write the name of the supplier across the space.
2. Address: Enter the address of the supplier.
3. Class of contributor: Indicate the class of contributor to which the claimant belongs.
4. Amount agreed and Amount disputed: Enter the amount of the unpaid claim that is agreed in the Amount agreed column, or enter the amount that is disputed in the Amount disputed column. If part of the claim is disputed and part undisputed, enter the appropriate amount in each column.

Part 4. Campaign financial summary

In this part, you summarize all campaign transactions and calculate the campaign monetary surplus according to the transactions reported in the return. You then reconcile the monetary surplus to the campaign bank account balance, less any outstanding cheques and plus any deposits in transit. All monetary campaign transactions must flow through the campaign bank account, and so the total credits to the campaign account plus any deposits in transit should equal the total campaign cash inflows. Similarly the total debits to the campaign account plus any outstanding cheques should equal the total campaign cash outflows.

A. Date of EC 20120

Enter the date up to which you have reported all campaign transactions in this return.

B. Contributions and other cash inflows

1. In box 1a, enter the monetary contributions reported in row 3, column 1 of part 2f.
2. In box 1b, enter the non-monetary contributions reported in row 3, column 2 of part 2f.
3. In box 1c, enter the total loans reported in row 6, column 1 of part 2f (excluding any lines of credit or overdrafts reported).
4. In box 1d, enter the sum of boxes 1a, 1b and 1c.
5. In box 2a, enter the amount from box 1b.
6. In box 2b, enter the total of monetary contributions returned or remitted as reported in part 2c.
7. In box 2c, enter the total monetary transfers received as reported in row 10, column 1 of part 2f.
8. In box 2d, enter the total of other cash inflows received as reported in row 11, column 1 of part 2f.
9. In box 2e, enter the result of box 1d minus box 2a plus boxes 2b, 2c and 2d  (2e = 1d - 2a + 2b + 2c + 2d).  This calculation will determine the total campaign cash inflows according to the transactions reported in this return.

C. Expenses and cash outflows

1. In box 3, enter the permitted limit of election expenses that Elections Canada provided you earlier.
2. In box 4, enter the election expenses reported in the Grand total box in the last row of part3a.
3. In box 5a, enter the candidate’s personal expenses reported in the total of column 8 of part 3a.
4. In box 5b, enter the total expenses not included in election expenses, as reported in the total of column 9 of part 3a.
5. In box 5c, enter the sum of boxes 4, 5a and 5b.
6. In box 6a, enter the total discounts reported in the total of the Discount column of part 3a.
7. In box 6b, enter the total unpaid claims reported in the total of the Unpaid claims column of part 3a.
8. For box 6c, first do the following calculation: from the figure in box 5c, subtract the figure in box 6a and the figure in box 6b. That is, 5c - 6a - 6b. Then enter the result in box 6c. This calculation will determine the total campaign cash outflows.

D. Monetary surplus and bank reconciliation

1. In box 7a, enter the total campaign cash inflows from box 2e.
2. In box 7b, enter the total campaign cash outflows from box 6c.
3. For box 7c, first subtract the figure in box 7b from the figure in box 7a. Then enter the result in box 7c. This calculation will determine the campaign’s monetary surplus as of the date of the return (given in section A) according to the transactions reported in the return.
4. In box 8a, enter the total credits (cash inflows) to the campaign bank account as of the date reported in section A. The total credits are generally summarized at the bottom of each month’s bank statement; you will have to add up the credits on all the bank statements up to the date reported in section A.
5. In box 8b, enter the total debits (cash outflows) to the campaign bank account as of the date reported in section A. The total debits are generally summarized at the bottom of each month’s bank statement; you will have to add up the debits on all the bank statements up to the date reported in section A.
6. For box 8c, first perform the following calculation: subtract the figure in box 8b from the figure in box 8a. Enter the result in box 8c.
7. In box 8d, enter the amount of any outstanding cheques (that is, cheques issued but not yet cashed).
8. In box 8e, enter the amount of any deposits in transit (that is, deposits made at the bank but not yet credited to the account).
9. For box 8f, first do the following calculation: subtract the figure in box 8d from the figure in box 8c, then to that result add the figure in box 8e. That is, (8c - 8d) + 8e. Enter the final result in box 8f. This calculation will determine the effective campaign bank account balance as of the date reported in section A.

If you have correctly reported all campaign transactions in the return, and all transactions have been processed through the campaign bank account, the amount in box 7c should equal the amount in box 8f.

Election expenses reimbursement

Campaigns that receive 10% of the valid votes cast are eligible for reimbursement of 60% of paid election expenses and 60% of paid candidate personal expenses. The reimbursement you calculate will be subject to adjustments made by Elections Canada, and will be equal to the lesser of:

• 60% of the election expenses limit, or
• 60% of the paid election expenses plus 60% of the paid personal expenses of the candidate.

You can calculate the total of the paid election expenses plus the paid candidate personal expenses eligible for 60% reimbursement as follows:

box 4 + box 5a - box 6a - box 6b + Total discounts in part 3b + Total unpaid claims in part 3b + item 9 of part 3c

Reimbursement of the auditor’s fees

If the auditor submits an invoice, the Receiver General (on the authority of a certificate from the Chief Electoral Officer) pays the auditor’s subsidy directly to the auditor. The maximum auditor’s subsidy is the lesser of:

• 3% of the candidate’s election expenses, or
• $1,500

Contributions Received Before January 1, 2007
Supplement to the Campaign Return

As the official agent of a candidate or as the financial agent of a nomination contestant, you may have received contributions to the campaign before January 1, 2007. If so, you must attach this form to your campaign return and fill out whichever parts are applicable.

If you received contributions before January 1, 2007, complete the following steps:

1. Enter the information for all contributions received before January 1, 2007, in parts 1, 2, 3 or 4, following the instructions for each part.
2. Complete the summary of contributions in part 5.
3. Any non-monetary contributions reported in parts 1, 2 or 3 must also be reported as discount expenses in part 3a of the Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return (EC 20120) or part 3a of the Contestant's Nomination Campaign Return (EC 20171).
4. Carry forward the totals from part 5 to the Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return (EC 20120), part 2f, row 2; or to the Contestant's Nomination Campaign Return (EC 20171), part 2f, row 2.
5. Attach the completed EC 20161 to the completed EC 20120 (for candidates) or the completed EC 20171 (for nomination contestants).

Key reporting differences for funds received before and after January 1, 2007:

There are two main differences in reporting funds and goods and services received before January 1, 2007, and funds and goods and services received on or after January 1, 2007:

1. Before January 1, 2007, there were four classes of contributors: A - Individuals, B - Corporations, C - Trade Unions, D - Associations, as defined by subsection 405.3(3). As of January 1, 2007, only individuals are eligible contributors.
2. Before January 1, 2007, anonymous contributions from general solicitation at a meeting or fundraising event could not exceed $25 per person. As of January 1, 2007, these contributions may not exceed $20 per person.

Part 1. Details of contributions from individuals

This part of the return is used to report all contributions from individuals received before January 1, 2007.

You must give the full name and address of each contributor who has donated a total amount of funds and goods or services greater than $200.

Elections Canada recommends that you inform your contributors of the requirement, under section 412 of the Canada Elections Act, for the Chief Electoral Officer to publish the names and addresses of contributors who give more than $200.

1. Determine the total monetary and non-monetary amount donated by each campaign contributor.

2. If multiple contributions from the same donor total more than $200, for each contribution enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount
   • in the last row used for the same contributor, the total amount for that contributor

   If, for example, the same donor made three separate contributions - two $75.00 monetary contributions and one $75.00 non-monetary contribution, for a grand total of $225.00 - you would use one row to report the amount and the date each $75.00 contribution was received, and enter $225.00 in the "Total per contributor" column of the third row. The name and address of the contributor would be entered in all three rows.

3. For single contributions greater than $200, enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount
   • the total amount per contributor
4. Use as many pages as necessary and carry forward the totals from the previous pages.
5. For all aggregated contributions of $200 or less, on the last page that you use for part 1, in the row headed "Total amount of monetary and non-monetary contributions of $200 or less," enter the total amount of contributions of $200 or less and the total number of contributors of $200 or less in column 1 for monetary contributions, and in column 2 for non-monetary contributions. Total columns 1 and 2 in column 3. In calculating the number of contributors, be sure to count multiple contributions from the same individual as one contributor.
6. For anonymous contributions of $25 or less, on the last page that you use for part 1, enter in columns 1 and 2 the total amount and the approximate number of contributors for both monetary and non-monetary contributions, and enter in column 3 the total amount and number of contributors. Be sure to include the supporting documentation for all anonymous contributions: a description of the function at which the contributions were collected, the date of the function, the approximate number of people at the function, and the total amount accepted in anonymous contributions.
7. On the last page of part 1, enter the total amount of all contributions and the total number of contributors in the last two rows.

Part 2. Statement of contributions received - Details of contributions from corporations

This part of the return is used to report all contributions from corporations received before January 1, 2007.

You must give the full name and address of each contributor who has donated a total amount of funds and goods or services greater than $200.

Elections Canada recommends that you inform your contributors of the requirement, under section 412 of the Canada Elections Act, for the Chief Electoral Officer to publish the names and addresses of contributors who give more than $200.

1. Determine the total monetary and non-monetary amount donated by each campaign contributor.

2. If multiple contributions from the same donor total more than $200, for each contribution enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor, including the name of the chief executive officer or president in the case of a numbered company
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount
   • in the last row used for the same contributor, the total amount for that contributor

   If, for example, the same donor made three separate contributions - two $75 monetary contributions and one $75 non-monetary contribution, for a grand total of $225 - you would use one row to report the amount and the date each $75 contribution was received, and enter $225 in the "Total per contributor" column of the third row. The name and address of the contributor would be entered in all three rows.

3. For single contributions greater than $200, enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor, including the name of the chief executive officer or president in the case of a numbered company
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount
   • the total amount per contributor
4. Use as many pages as necessary and carry forward the totals from the previous pages.
5. For all aggregated contributions of $200 or less, on the last page that you use for part 2, in the row headed "Total amount of monetary and non-monetary contributions of $200 or less," enter the total amount of contributions of $200 or less and the total number of contributors of $200 or less, in column 1 for monetary contributions and in column 2 for non-monetary contributions. Total columns 1 and 2 in column 3. In calculating the number of contributors, be sure to count multiple contributions from the same corporation as one contributor.
6. On the last page of part 2, enter the total amount of all contributions and the total number of contributors in the last two rows.

Part 3. Statement of contributions received - Details of contributions from trade unions

This part of the return is used to report all contributions from trade unions received before January 1, 2007.

You must give the full name and address of each contributor who has donated a total amount of funds and goods or services greater than $200.

Elections Canada recommends that you inform your contributors of the requirement, under section 412 of the Canada Elections Act, for the Chief Electoral Officer to publish the names and addresses of contributors who give more than $200.

1. Determine the total monetary and non-monetary amount donated by each campaign contributor.

2. If multiple contributions from the same donor total more than $200, for each contribution enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor
   • the date received
   • the monetary or non-monetary contribution amount
   • in the last row used for the same contributor, the total amount for that contributor

   If for example, the same donor made three separate contributions - two $75 monetary contributions and one $75 non-monetary contribution, for a grand total of $225 - you would use one row to report the amount and the date each $75 contribution was received, and enter $225 in the "Total per contributor" column of the third row. The name and address of the contributor would be entered in all three rows.

3. For single contributions, enter:

   • the full name and address of the contributor
   • the date received
   • the monetary contribution amount
   • the total amount per contributor
4. Use as many pages as necessary and carry forward the totals from the previous pages.
5. For all aggregated contributions of $200 or less, on the last page that you use for part 3, in the row titled "Total amount of monetary and non-monetary contributions of $200 or less," enter the total amount of contributions of $200 or less and the total number of contributors of $200 or less, in column 1 for monetary contributions and in column 2 for non-monetary contributions. Total columns 1 and 2 in column 3. In calculating the number of contributors, be sure to count multiple contributions from the same trade union as one contributor.
6. On the last page of part 3, enter the total amount of all contributions and the total number of contributors in the last two rows.

Part 4a. Statement of contributions received - Details of contributions from associations, as defined in subsection405.3(3)

This part of the return is used to report all contributions from unincorporated associations received before January 1, 2007.

You must give the full name and address of each contributor.

Elections Canada recommends that you inform your contributors of the requirement, under section 412 of the Canada Elections Act, for the Chief Electoral Officer to publish the names and addresses of all contributors.

1. Determine the total monetary amount contributed to the campaign by each association, as defined in subsection 405.3(3).

2. For multiple contributions from the same donor, for each contribution enter:

   • the full name and address of the association as defined in subsection 405.3(3)
   • the date received
   • the monetary contribution amount
   • in the last row used for the same contributor, the total amount for that contributor

   If for example, the same donor made three separate $75 contributions, for a grand total of $225, you would use one row to report the amount and the date each $75 contribution was received, and enter $225 in the "Total per contributor" column of the third row. The name and address of the contributor would be entered in all three rows.

3. For single contributions, enter:

   • the full name and address of the association as defined in subsection 405.3(3)
   • the date received
   • the monetary contribution amount
   • the total amount per contributor
4. Use as many pages as necessary and carry forward the totals from the previous pages.
5. On the last page of part 4a, enter the total amount of all contributions and the total number of contributors in the last two rows.

Part 4b. Details of contributions from an association as defined in subsection 405.3(3) and declared in part 4a

This part of the return provides details on all contributions reported in part 4a. You must give information about the original source of the funds for all contributions from associations as defined in subsection 405.3(3). The association must disclose to the campaign the name and address of each individual whose money forms part of the contribution, the amount of money provided by the individual that is included in the contribution, and the date on which it was provided to the association.

Elections Canada recommends that you inform your contributors of the requirement for the Chief Electoral Officer (under section 412 of the Canada Elections Act) to publish the name and address of each individual whose money formed part of the contribution from an association as defined in subsection 405.3(3).

1. The information required in this part appears in the form Details of a Contribution from an Association as Defined by Subsection 405.3(3) (EC 20160). This form is completed, signed and dated by a representative of the association and provided to the official agent along with the related monetary contribution. You should not accept a contribution from an association as defined in subsection 405.3(3) without the accompanying form.
2. Use a separate part 4b for each contributing association reported in part 4a.
3. Enter the name and address of the association, the name of the individual responsible for the association, and the total aggregated amount of the monetary contribution previously declared in part 4a.
4. Enter the date of receipt of all contributions that form part of the money provided by the association, the full name and address of the individual contributor to the association, and the amount of money donated.
5. Carry forward the total contribution from the previous page to the last page of part 4b that you use, and calculate the grand total. This total must be the same as the amount reported in part 4a.

Part 5. Summary of contributions, transfers and other cash inflows

In this part, you summarize the contributions, transfers and other cash inflows reported in parts 1 to 4.

1. In row 1, enter the monetary and non-monetary contributions and the number of contributors reported in the last two rows of part 1.
2. In row 2, enter the monetary and non-monetary contributions and the number of contributors reported in the last two rows of part 2.
3. In row 3, enter the monetary and non-monetary contributions and the number of contributors reported in the last two rows of part 3.
4. In row 4, enter the monetary contributions and the number of contributors reported in the last two rows of part 4a.
5. In row 5, total all amounts from rows 1 to 4.
6. Carry forward the totals from row 5 to the Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return (EC 20120), part 2f, row 2; or to the Contestant's Nomination Campaign Return (EC 20171), part 2f, row 2.