Important Reminders for Candidates and Their Official Agents

Elections Canada: Political Parties, Candidates and Others: Candidates

The following is a list of important reminders for candidates and their official agents. It is a compilation of the most common political financing issues from the 38th general election. This does not set out all of the obligations and responsibilities of candidates and their official agents. It is intended as a summary of reminders only. Additional information and assistance related to political financing obligations under the Canada Elections Act including forms, manuals, training videos and software can be found on this Web site. Dos Don'ts Open a separate bank account, named in accordance with section 437 of the Act: (name of official agent), official agent Ensure that all money is first deposited into the campaign bank account and that all expenses (except those related to an authorized petty cash) are paid out of the bank account by the official agent Issue receipts for all contributions in excess of $25 (see special restrictions on tax receipts) Ensure all claims are presented within three months and paid within four months after polling day Ensure that all conditions on loans are disclosed in the return Ensure that the name of the president or chief executive officer is disclosed in the return for contributions from numbered companies Provide the Candidate's Statement of Personal Expenses to the official agent no later than three months after polling day even if a NIL statement Submit the Candidate's Electoral Campaign Return and related documents within four months of polling day: Candidate's return Declarations signed by the candidate and the official agent (Part 1 of the candidate's return) Auditor's report and checklist To avoid delays and possible penalties, submit all supporting vouchers, including the Candidate's Statement of Personal Expenses Dispose of any surplus in compliance with the Act and notify the CEO within seven days of disposal DO NOT accept transfers from the registered party or registered electoral district association BEFORE YOU ARE OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED AS A CANDIDATE BY THE RETURNING OFFICER DO NOT issue official tax receipts for contributions received BEFORE YOU ARE OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED AS A CANDIDATE BY THE RETURNING OFFICER DO NOT accept contributions from ineligible sources (e.g. foreign sources) DO NOT accept contributions in excess of the contribution limits DO NOT appoint an auditor who is not accredited UNDER THE APPLICABLE PROVINCIAL LAW to perform accounting services DO NOT pay unpaid claims later than four months after polling day without first obtaining the CEO's authorization DO NOT conduct election advertising without mention of the authorization of the official agent (for example: Authorized by the official agent of "candidate")