Legislative change will provide Albertans with greater insight into political financing

The passage of the Election Accountability Amendment Act, 2012 will provide Albertans with greater insight into political financing in the province.

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Edmonton - January 2, 2013 - The passage of the Election Accountability Amendment Act, 2012 will provide Albertans with greater insight into political financing in the province.

Amendments allow the Chief Electoral Officer to release the outcome of investigations where violations have occurred. He will also reveal the outcome of investigations in which allegations were unfounded, on request of the subject of the complaint, to allow for the public release of the findings of the Chief Electoral Officer. The new law will apply to investigations of alleged prohibited contributions dating back to December, 2009. Disclosure will appear on the website (www.elections.ab.ca) by January 31, 2013.

Additional amendments which will serve to increase openness and transparency include:

- disclosure of the names and addresses of contributors who make political contributions over $250 (formerly $375)
- quarterly disclosure of financial contributions by political parties and constituency associations
- reporting and disclosure of contributions to leadership contestants

Elections Alberta is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly that provides non-political administration of the electoral process.