The Fair Elections Act to amend the Canada Elections Act has passed and received Royal Assent on June 19, 2014. Bill C-23 increases contribution limits to candidates and political parties from $1,200 to $1,500.

Third-party advertising limits, currently imposed only during a campaign period, will be imposed for all election advertising “in relation to a general election.”

The bill also increases penalties to $100,000 for intentional violations by corporations acting as a third party. The new limits are not effective until the next call for a general election at the federal level.