Under new legislation that came into effect in January 2009, political parties are entitled to public funding, referred to in the legislation as an annual allowance.
The party must file a statement if they wish to receive an annual allowance.
The maximum annual allowance in a non-election year is the lesser of:
- The number of votes received in the last general election multiplied by $1.25 up to a maximum of $250,000
- The total expenses paid by the party as reported in the audited annual statement filed
Section 70.2 (3) of The Elections Finances Act gives the calculation for the maximum annual allowance in an election year.
A minimum allowance is payable to a party:
- $10,000 if the party is represented by at least one elected member
- $600 in all other cases
The annual allowance is intended to cover expenses related to administration and functions (e.g. operating costs). If the statement shows that the party has not paid expenses related to administration and functions that are at least equal to the amount of the allowance, then the difference is deducted from the party's allowance.
The annual allowance is public information and is disclosed below.
Annual Allowance paid in 2010 for the Year 2009
| Political Party
|
Amount certified |
| Green Party of Manitoba
|
$6,983 |
| Manitoba Liberal Party | $64,821 |
Annual Allowance paid in 2009 for the Year 2008
| Political Party
|
Amount certified |
| Communist Party of Canada - Manitoba | $600
|
| Green Party of Manitoba
|
$6,983 |
| Manitoba Liberal Party | $64,821 |