The Elections Finances Act requires public disclosure of leadership contestants' finances. This enhances the fairness and transparency of the process political parties use to choose their leaders.
notice of leadership contest
The chief financial officer of a registered poltical party is required to notify the Chief Electoral Officer when a leadership contest is called, when the vote will be held and the particulars for each of the contestants.
official agent and auditor
Leadership contestants are required to appoint an auditor [10.3.1] and an official agent [10(6)] who will manage a bank account and other financial matters for the contestant.
Contributions
Leadership contest contributions are reported to Elections Manitoba. Names of donors and any contributions over $250 are posted online, but addresses can only be viewed in person at Elections Manitoba. No individual shall make contributions totalling more than $3,000 in a leadership contest period to one or more leadership contestants.
Leadership contestant's financial statements
Audited financial statements from leadership contestants are due within 30 days after a leadership contest period. That period begins with the contest announcement and ends two months after the date of the leadership vote.
The official agent for each leadership contestant files an audited statement on the contestant's finances in the contest period (Form 947 – Leadership Contestant's Financial Statements and Supporting Schedules) and an audit report with Elections Manitoba.
For detailed information about what to report see section 61.1(1) and 61.1(2) of The Elections Finances Act.
leadership contestants deficit and loan status
Leadership contestants with an outstanding deficit or loan more than $250 at the end of a calendar year file a return (Form 949 – Leadership Contestant's Campaign Deficit and Loan Status) with Elections Manitoba. This return is due within 30 days after the end of the calendar year unless an extension has been granted.
A contestant's leadership campaign deficits are reported to the Chief Electoral
Officer annually until it is eliminated. The loan balance is reported annually to the CEO until the
balance has been reduced below $250.
For detailed information on what must be included in the return, see section 68(2) of
The Elections Finances Act and review the leadership contest checklist before submitting a
return to Elections Manitoba.
| Year | Political Party |
|---|---|
| 2009 | • NDP |
| 2008 | • Green Party of Manitoba |
| 2006 | •
Green
Party of Manitoba
• PC Party of Manitoba |
| 2005 | • Green Party of Manitoba |