In Canada, only certain individuals are allowed to make political donations to federal candidates, political parties, and other political entities. Here’s a breakdown of the rules for donating.
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents: Only individuals who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada can make donations to federal candidates, political parties, electoral district associations, and leadership contestants.
Age Requirement: While there is no specific minimum age for making a political donation, the donor must have the legal capacity to make a donation, meaning they must be of sound mind and able to make decisions about their finances.
Who Is Not Allowed To Donate?
- Corporations, Unions, and Organizations: Corporations, unions, and organizations are prohibited from making donations to federal candidates, political parties, and other federal political entities.
- Foreign Citizens or Entities: Non-Canadian citizens, including foreign individuals and organizations, are not allowed to make donations to Canadian federal political campaigns.
- Anonymous Donations: Anonymous contributions over $20 are not allowed. If a donation is received without identifying the donor, it must be returned or remitted to the Chief Electoral Officer.
These rules are designed to ensure that the influence on Canadian elections comes from within Canada, reflecting the will of Canadian citizens and residents.
How Much Am I Allowed To Donate?
In Canada, the maximum amount an individual can donate to a candidate is $1,725 per year. This limit applies on an annual basis, meaning that from January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year, an individual can contribute up to $1,725 to a candidate running in a federal election.
If a person wishes to donate again, they would need to wait until the next calendar year to contribute another $1,725 to the same candidate. Additionally, this limit is separate from the amounts that can be donated to political parties, riding associations, and leadership contestants, which have their own respective annual limits.