Alberta government unveils new rules for municipal political parties, donations
Legislation allows local political parties and slates on the ballot beginning in 2025
Alberta is introducing new regulations that will once again permit corporate and union donations in local elections, reversing a previous ban imposed by the NDP government.
The changes are part of Bill 20, which makes broad revisions to municipal election laws. According to the United Conservative Party government, the updated rules aim to enhance transparency in the electoral process.
Bill 20, which passed debate in the legislature earlier this year, will take effect later this month.
However, Alberta Municipalities has criticized the reforms. Its president, Tyler Gandam, warned that allowing large donors back into the system risks turning local governments into entities that are "up for sale to the highest bidder."
The legislation also introduces local political parties and slates on ballots starting in 2025, but only in Edmonton and Calgary.
Under the new rules, individuals, corporations, or unions will be limited to donating a maximum of $5,000 per jurisdiction each year, regardless of the number of parties they support.
