Fairness for independents

Text of the Policy
 We propose allowing independent candidates to raise funds in the two months leading up to a scheduled general election provided the candidate submits the names of their official agent and their auditor to Elections Canada beforehand. Should the independent candidate receive a party's nomination, they must hand over all money raised during this period to Elections Canada. All funds will be subject to the same reporting rules as those raised during the election itself.

Additionally, we propose a new system by which money raised by independent candidates before the end of an election will instead be held in trust by Elections Canada until the next Federal election. If the person runs again as an independent candidate, the money that is held in trust will be returned to them for use in their campaign. If the person decides not to run at all or runs as a candidate under a party banner, the money held in trust will be forfeited to Elections Canada in whole. All interest accrued from money held by Elections Canada in this manner will belong to Elections Canada.

Finally, we would reinstate the ability of independent MPs to introduce amendments at a bills report stage. As independent MPs do not currently get a vote on committees, this would allow for a more fair playing field.

Rationales
Rationale behind letting EC keep accrued interest: the amount of interest is minimal and of little use to the candidate but can help EC offset any costs associated with holding onto the funds. Ideally this will give EC a predictable source of income (as I learned recently in the charity industry one-time gifts [compare money forfeited at the end of election campaigns to EC] can not be effectively budgeted while money over time can). - jw

Rationale behind forfeiture if independent candidate runs as a party candidate: This policy is for evening the playing field for independents, not giving parties bonuses. There is also the potential to get around funding rules if they are allowed to bring the money with them to a party. - jw

Related News or Articles
Independents Could Face Even Tougher Battle Under New Election Rules - Huffington Post

Elizabeth May leads new fight to protect rights of independent MPs - CBC

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