Political participants are funded through contributions of money and donations in-kind such as services or physical items. The Elections Finances Act for Manitoba provides details about contributions to political participants (specific sections are referenced below).
Who can receive contributions?
The following provincial political entities:
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a candidate
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a constituency association
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a registered political party
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a leadership contestant during a leadership contest, or after the contest ends towards a deficit only
Tax receipts for contributions can only be issued by a registered candidate or by a registered political party.
Who can contribute?
Only individuals normally residing in Manitoba.
What is the contribution limit?
The maximum contribution by any individual is $3000 total in a calendar year. This includes both money and donations in kind to one or more provincial political entities. The only exception is that a separate contribution limit of $3000 is allowed during a leadership contest period for one or more leadership contestants.
How can a contribution be made?
By giving it directly to a political entity or by giving it to another individual to be forwarded to a political entity. The individual collecting the contributions must be a resident of Manitoba and must keep a complete record of each contribution.
What are the restrictions?
If the contribution is cash of more than $100, a record of contribution must be signed. Individuals must use their own resources and no contribution is to be made in expectation of reimbursement or compensation. There are penalties for making prohibited contributions and for the use of force or intimidation to make or restrain another individual from contributing.
The contribution rules under Manitoba's Elections Finances Act apply only to Manitoba political entities.
Political Contribution Tax Credit Information (see section 4.11)