OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released a summary of taxpayer support for federal political parties and candidates since 1988.

"Only in Canada would partisan politics be turned into a welfare program," said CTF federal director John Williamson. "While past elections have handed parties and their candidates upwards of $20-million, this year's tally in light of changes to the Election Act is expected to top $57-million."

Prior to revisions to the Elections Act in 2003, candidates who received at least 15 per cent of eligible votes cast were given a 50 per cent rebate of their election expenses. Political parties were similarly reimbursed for 25 per cent of their election expenses. Under the new Elections Act, the threshold for reimbursements for parties and candidates has been lowered to 10 per cent or more of eligible votes cast. In addition, each party receives an annual subsidy of $1.75 per vote received in the 2000 general election.

Funding overview since 1988:



Williamson added: "These handouts are in addition to generous charitable tax credits granted to the political class that would be the envy of any legitimate charity in the country."

"Before the outcome of the June 28th election we can safely predict that political parties will win and taxpayers will lose," said Williamson. "Between 1988 and 2000 political parties netted $89-million and by the time the next election rolls around taxpayers can expect to cough up another $123.6-million."

"The CTF has long opposed public funding of political parties. It removes politicians from having to earn support, it is not a proper role of government and it is immoral to compel citizens to pay for the views of others which they may oppose," concluded Williamson.