Important Reminders for Nomination Contestants and Their Financial Agents

Elections Canada: Political Parties, Candidates and Others: Nomination Contestants

The following is a list of important reminders for nomination contestants and their financial 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 nomination contestants and their financial 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 478.12 of the Act if you have any monetary or non-monetary transactions: (name of financial agent), financial 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 financial agent Ensure that only nomination campaign expenses are paid out of the contestant bank account – that is, expenses incurred during the campaign or used during the campaign Issue receipts for all contributions in excess of $25 Ensure all claims are presented within three months and paid within four months after selection 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 Nomination Contestant's Statement of Personal Expenses to the financial agent no later than three months after selection day even if a NIL statement Submit the Contestant's Nomination Campaign Return and related documents within four months of the selection date of the contest (if contributions or expenses are $1,000 or more): Contestant's return Declarations signed by the contestant and the financial agent (Part 1 of the return) Auditor's report (if contributions or expenses are $10,000 or more) To avoid delays, submit all supporting vouchers, including the Nomination Contestant'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 monetary transfers from the registered party or registered electoral district association DO NOT accept contributions from ineligible sources (e.g. foreign sources) DO NOT accept contributions in excess of the contribution limits DO NOT pay unpaid claims later than four months after selection day without first obtaining the CEO's authorization