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Are you planning a fundraising event? Will a prominent member of the party be there? If yes, you may be hosting a regulated fundraising event. This module explains what makes an event regulated and what extra rules you need to follow.
A fundraising event is regulated if it meets three criteria:
- It is organized to benefit a registered party with a seat in the House of Commons, or one of its affiliated entities
- It is attended by the party leader, the interim leader, a leadership contestant or a federal Cabinet minister, and
- At least one person had to pay or contribute over $200 to attend
Let's see an example: Barbara paid $500 to attend a wine and cheese event organized to benefit a nomination contestant. A federal Cabinet minister who supports the contestant will be there. This is a regulated fundraising event.
Certain events are excluded from the regulations. Leadership debates, party or leadership conventions, donor appreciation events at party or leadership conventions, and events where guests paid over $200 to attend but no part of the payment was a contribution are not regulated fundraising events.
For example, during its annual convention, the party invites regular donors to attend a meet-and-greet with the party leader. This is not a regulated fundraising event.
Now what if an event is regulated? Certain disclosure rules have to be followed. Outside a general election, the registered party has to publish an event notice on its website and notify Elections Canada five days before the event. Within 30 days after the event, the party has to report details to Elections Canada. During a general election, an event notice is not required. All regulated events are detailed in a single report within 60 days after election day. If the party didn't organize the events, it will need information from the organizers.
It is very important to follow the disclosure rules. Otherwise, the political entity that received contributions as part of the event must return them to the contributor or remit them to Elections Canada.
To learn more, please take a look at our other modules and resources.