Every election people across Canada seek to be elected as independents. Independents face a number of hurdles not
shared by their party-nominated cousins. Obviously, they do not benefit from party brand management and national advertising. Perhaps more unfair is the requirement that all money raised by independent candidates be forfeited to
Elections Canada after the election, forcing them to start over next time. The Pirate Party of Canada believes that this
inherent unfairness is both harmful to democracy and easily fixed.
shared by their party-nominated cousins. Obviously, they do not benefit from party brand management and national advertising. Perhaps more unfair is the requirement that all money raised by independent candidates be forfeited to
Elections Canada after the election, forcing them to start over next time. The Pirate Party of Canada believes that this
inherent unfairness is both harmful to democracy and easily fixed.
"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."
Parties can raise funds for years before an election. It seems only fair to give independent candidates a small head start
in raising funds for their campaign. However, safeguards must be taken to prevent this from becoming another way for a
party to raise funds or for a candidate to raise money under false pretenses.
in raising funds for their campaign. However, safeguards must be taken to prevent this from becoming another way for a
party to raise funds or for a candidate to raise money under false pretenses.
"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."
Having Elections Canada hold onto money between elections makes running as an independent less of an all-or-nothing
proposition and may encourage more independents to run. For its part Elections Canada gains a stable source of funding
independent of Parliament from accrued interest. While the amount will be modest early on it is hoped as independent candidates start seeing that they can compete on a more even playing field the amount of money parked with Elections Canada will grow.
proposition and may encourage more independents to run. For its part Elections Canada gains a stable source of funding
independent of Parliament from accrued interest. While the amount will be modest early on it is hoped as independent candidates start seeing that they can compete on a more even playing field the amount of money parked with Elections Canada will grow.
"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."
Once elected independent candidates face further hurdles in Parliament. For many years independent MPs possessed
special privileges related to a bills Report Stage. These privileges were removed by the Conservatives.
Democracy benefits from multiple viewpoints and everyone who seeks elected office should have a fair shake.
special privileges related to a bills Report Stage. These privileges were removed by the Conservatives.
Democracy benefits from multiple viewpoints and everyone who seeks elected office should have a fair shake.
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