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Political Financing Handbook for Candidates and Official Agents (EC 20155) – October 2017 – Archived Content

This document is Elections Canada's archived guideline OGI 2017-01 and is no longer in effect.

An updated version of this document is available in Tools for Candidates.

About This Document

Introduction to the handbook

This handbook is designed to assist candidates and their official agents. It is a tool that will help in administering the candidate's campaign during the electoral campaign process.

This document is a general guideline issued pursuant to section 16.1 of the Canada Elections Act. It is provided for information and is not intended to replace the Act.

Elections Canada will review the contents of this handbook on a regular basis and make updates as required.

Note: The term "individual" used in this handbook refers to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

What's new in this release?

Release Where Title Summary
October 2017 All n/a Content reorganized for better flow and new examples added.
October 2017 Chapter 1 Role and appointment process—official agent
Role and appointment process—auditor
Starting the candidate's campaign
Closing the candidate's campaign
Content reorganized into tables and graphics.
October 2017 Chapter 2 Who can contribute? New content on contributions from minors.
Sponsorship or advertising at a political event is a contribution Example added on sponsorship by individuals.
Determining the date a contribution is made New content on determining the date a contribution is made in different scenarios.
Remitting or returning ineligible contributions Content reorganized into a flowchart.
October 2017 Chapter 6 Fundraising New content as per OGI 2016-01 and the Canada Revenue Agency's position on sales taxes and gratuities at ticketed fundraising events.
October 2017 Chapter 11 Working with Other Entities New content added to further explain collaboration between political entities.
October 2017 Chapter 12 Reporting Content reorganized into tables.

Contact information

Internet elections.ca
Telephone Political Financing Support Network
1-800-486-6563

Regular Hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time)

Elections Canada General Enquiries
1-800-463-6868
Fax Political Financing
1-888-523-9333 (toll-free)
1-819-939-1803
Mail Elections Canada
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M6
Email General Enquiries
info@elections.ca

Political Financing Enquiries
political.financing@elections.ca

Electronic Financial Return (EFR)—Enquiries and Submissions
efr-rfe@elections.ca