While the next provincial election race is already shaping up to be a tough and bitter fight between the Opposition United Conservative Party (UCP) and the incumbent New Democrats, Albertans remain hopeful that the campaign itself will be above board.
Proposed legislation recently introduced – the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Statutes Amendment Act – aims to make future Alberta campaigns fair by ensuring that spending limits are strictly adhered to.
Thankfully, both the government and the Opposition appear to be in agreement that fairness is for the best.
Two years ago, a $2 million spending cap on election expenses was put in place for all registered political parties during an election period.
Introduced last week, new legislation would see the spending cap also now applied to associate parties, which are parties with ties to registered parties.
Christina Gray, minister responsible for democratic renewal, calls the change an important protection of the democratic process.
“Our government is committed to making sure elections in our province are fair, balanced and transparent for all Albertans,” said Gray. “These straightforward changes would hold all political parties accountable to the same spending limit and ensure that voters, not big money, decide elections.”
It is hoped that the change will prevent associate parties from using a multi-party structure to bypass spending limits, she said.
The legislation also includes a new requirement for parties to include campaign contributions in reports to Elections Alberta.
Parties found to be in violation of the new rules would face fines up to $100,000.
UCP Leader Jason Kenney reportedly says his party will vote in favour of the proposed legislation.
“We made it absolutely clear in the merger agreement (between the Wildrose and the PC parties) that we wouldn’t use the dormant PC or Wildrose shells to justify spending that we could not normally do,” said Kenney.
“We’ll vote for it because we’re not looking to play fast and loose with the rules.”
To be legitimate, elections must be fair. As such, these proposed changes are welcome.
Dan Singleton is the editor of the Mountain View Gazette, a Great West newspaper.
