Making a Political Contribution

This page applies to provincial elections. For information about making a political contribution at the local level, see our local Making a Campaign Contribution page.

Individuals who wish to contribute to a provincial political party, constituency association, candidate, nomination contestant or leadership contestant have legal obligations under the Election Act that they must follow. The rules are outlined below and apply for contributions of money, property or services.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact:

Electoral Finance
Elections BC
1-800-661-8683
electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca

Can I make a political contribution?

You can only make a political contribution if you are:

  • a resident of B.C., and
  • either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Can organizations make political contributions?

No. Corporations, unions and organizations are prohibited from making political contributions. They are also prohibited from reimbursing individuals for making political contributions.

What is a political contribution?

A political contribution is any money, property or service provided without compensation by way of donation, advance, discount or otherwise. It also includes:

  • property or services provided at less than market value, or purchased above market value,
  • membership fees for a political party or constituency association,
  • fees to attend conferences and conventions of a party, including annual general meetings or leadership conventions, and
  • fundraising function tickets purchased for more than $50, or where more than one ticket is purchased.

Can I be reimbursed for my contribution?

No. You must make your contribution with your own money or property. Political contributions cannot be made indirectly with the money or property of another person, or be reimbursed by another person.

How much can I contribute?

For 2024, you can give a total of $1,450.82 to each registered political party, including its candidates, nomination contestants and registered constituency associations. You can also give a maximum of $1,450.82 to each independent candidate and to each leadership contestant in relation to a leadership contest called in 2024.

The contribution limit does not include fees of up to $410 paid to attend a leadership convention or other convention of a political party. It also does not include money for personal election and personal nomination expenses that result in a contribution from the candidate or contestant.

These amounts are adjusted at the start of each calendar year.

Calendar year Political contribution limit Party convention fees not subject to limit
2024 $1,450.82 Up to $410
2023 $1,401.40 Up to $400
2022 $1,309.09 Up to $390
2021 $1,268.07 Up to $380
2020 $1,253.15 Up to $370
2019 $1,225.17 Up to $360
2018 $1,200.00 Up to $350

Will my contribution be reported publicly?

If you give more than $250 in a reporting period, your name and contribution amount will be published in our Financial Reports and Political Contributions (FRPC) system.

Will I get a tax receipt?

Registered political parties and registered constituency associations can issue income tax receipts for contributions of money received at any time, but not for contributions of goods or services.

Candidates can only issue income tax receipts for contributions of money received after they have received their certificate of candidacy and before the return of the writ. Candidates who file a nomination application during the standing period of an election will receive their certificate of candidacy when the writs are issued for that election.

Leadership contestants and third party advertising sponsors can never issue income tax receipts.

Are there any other restrictions I should know about?

  • Anonymous contributions can only be made under certain circumstances. They must be less than $50 and made at a function held by or on behalf of the organization or individual to whom the contribution is given.
  • Cash contributions must be $100 or less.
  • Contributions over $100 must be made by cheque, money order, credit card, or electronic transfer.
  • There are serious penalties for breaking the political contribution rules established by the Election Act, including monetary penalties of up to double the amount of the contribution made in contravention of the rules.