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ARTICLE · 09 APRIL 2014

Bill Proposes Changes To Federal Election Laws

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Federal Democratic Reform Minister Pierre Poilievre introduced The Fair Elections Act, which proposes a number of changes to Canadian election law.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Alexis Levine
Alexis Levine
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Earlier this year, federal Democratic Reform Minister Pierre Poilievre introduced Bill C-23 – The Fair Elections Act (Bill), which proposes a number of changes to Canadian election law, including an increase in annual contribution limits for individuals.

INCREASE TO CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

The Bill proposes an increase for annual contribution limits for individuals to C$1,500, up from C$1,200. The complete ban on corporate and union donations will remain in effect.

RESTRICTIONS ON LOANS TO CANDIDATES

Along with the increase to contribution limits, the Bill also introduces further restrictions on advancing and repaying political loans, with a cap on total loans, guarantees, and contributions by individuals equal to the annual contribution limit. Only financial institutions and political entities will be allowed to make loans beyond such limits, and only at a market rate of interest. The Bill also tightens the rules for the treatment of unpaid loans to require that

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