As my newly adopted country readies itself, possibly, for another election for the office of Prime Minister, the Government has put out an ad campaign in local newspapers explaining that contributions to political parties is now extremely limited. I don’t claim to know all of the ins and outs of the new regulations, but the Elections Canada section essentially explains the following information (quite incredible to a tired political water from the States) that was highlighted in today’s Winnipeg Free Press ad:

There are limits to what you can give. As of January 1, 2007, only individuals can make federal political donations.

• As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you can give up to $1,100 in total per year to each registered party.
• In addition, you can give up to $1,000 in total per year to the registered associations, nomination contestants and candidates of each registered party.
• You can give up to $1,100 in total to the contestants in each registered party leadership contest.
• You can also give up to $1,000 per election to each independent candidate.
• You can no longer make a cash donatino of more than $20.
• Corporations, trade unions, associations and groups can no longer make political contributions.

Can I take up a few more lines to repeat that last item?

• Corporations, trade unions, associations and groups can no longer make political contributions.

In the States, this bullet point would cause bloodsheed, a constitutional crisis, and perhaps a shutdown of Government. I’m a bit incredulous that this law, as far reaching as it is, has received so little notice either here or in the U.S. Election reform, long promised but never delivered in the U.S., has taken place in Canada. Amazing.