With the provincial election coming up on October 6, 2011, candidates are actively seeking campaign funding. Locals, Area Councils, Executive Board members and staff may be approached directly by candidates.
It is important to note that there is a legal limit to the amount that OPSEU may contribute, and that OPSEU is a corporation that includes all of its locals. This means that all OPSEU locals can contribute as one body only.
The following FAQs are to assist OPSEU locals who are considering making campaign contributions.
Can my local make a financial campaign contribution?
YES: If your OPSEU local would like to make a contribution in the upcoming October 6 Ontario election, please contact your Regional Vice-President.
How much can my local contribute to a candidate’s campaign?
Your local contribution amount should be discussed with your Regional Vice President. They will then forward a request to the President’s office for approval by OPSEU’s Executive Board. This ensures that OPSEU maintains an accurate accounting of our political donations and that we remain within contribution limitations set out in the Election Finances Act.
How much can OPSEU contribute?
OPSEU can make a maximum annual donation of $9,300 per year to a political party and an additional total of $6,200 to constituency associations.
During the Ontario provincial election campaign this September, OPSEU corporate will be entitled to donate an additional $9,300 to each of the provincial parties. In addition, each candidate may receive a campaign donation of up to $1,240 (up to a total of $6,200 per political party).
Here is a chart from Elections Ontario that outlines the contribution maximums:
|
MAXIMUM CONTRIBUTIONS |
||||||
|
|
To Provincial Party |
To Constituency Association |
To Candidate |
|||
|
|
|
Each |
Total |
Each |
Total |
|
|
Annually |
$9,300 |
$1,240 |
$6,200 |
Nil |
||
|
Extra During a Campaign Period |
$9,300 |
Nil |
$1,240 |
$6,200 |
||
How much can I contribute as an individual?
You may claim a maximum tax credit for political contributions of up to $1,240 a year. You will reach this limit when your eligible political contributions total $2,821. For example, annually you may claim 75 per cent of the first $372 of your political contribution in the year; plus 50 per cent of the next $868; plus 33 1⁄3 per cent of an amount exceeding $1,240, but not more than $2,821.
For more information, please visit: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/pctc/
Elections Ontario website:
http://www.elections.on.ca/
Find your electoral district.
The next provincial election will be held on October 6, 2011.