January 10, 2020 •
Contribution Limits Increased in Ontario, Canada
![Contribution Limits Increased in Ontario, Canada](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ontario-Legislative-Assembly-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Legislative Assembly of Ontario building - Saforrest (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
In Ontario, individual contribution limits for the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, have be increased by $25, to $1,625. This limit applies to contributions made as both money and goods or services given to a political […]
In Ontario, individual contribution limits for the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, have be increased by $25, to $1,625.
This limit applies to contributions made as both money and goods or services given to a political party, candidate or constituency association to support the election of a candidate to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
The contribution limit is applicable to both party and non-party candidates in a campaign period and applies to a leadership contestant of a party in a year holding a leadership contest or a calendar year during which the contestant is required to be registered.
January 10, 2020 •
Contribution Limits Increased in British Columbia
![Contribution Limits Increased in British Columbia](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/British-Columbia-Legislature-1000x563.jpg)
British Columbia Legislature
Campaign contribution limits increased in British Columbia for 2020 to $1,253.15 for contributions to registered political parties, including their candidates, nomination contestants and registered constituency associations. Additionally, individuals can contribute up to $1,253.15 to independent candidates and leadership contestants, if […]
Campaign contribution limits increased in British Columbia for 2020 to $1,253.15 for contributions to registered political parties, including their candidates, nomination contestants and registered constituency associations.
Additionally, individuals can contribute up to $1,253.15 to independent candidates and leadership contestants, if a leadership contest is called in 2020.
These limits are updated annually.
The previous limits were $1,225.17 in 2019, and $1,200 in 2018.
Also increased to $370 is the limit of a fee paid to attend a leadership convention or other convention of a political party without counting toward the $1,253.15 limit contribution limit.
December 24, 2019 •
May 4, 2020: British Columbia Lobbying Law Changes Coming
![May 4, 2020: British Columbia Lobbying Law Changes Coming](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/British-Columbia-Legislature-1000x563.jpg)
British Columbia Legislature
On May 4, 2020, several key changes of British Columbia’s lobbying law come into effect, including changing the name of the Lobbyist Registration Act to the Lobbyist Transparency Act. The legislation making the changes, Bill 54, Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, […]
On May 4, 2020, several key changes of British Columbia’s lobbying law come into effect, including changing the name of the Lobbyist Registration Act to the Lobbyist Transparency Act. The legislation making the changes, Bill 54, Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2018, received royal assent on November 27, 2019.
Other coming changes include:
- Reducing the time threshold for requiring in-house lobbyists to register from 100 hours to 50 hours annually
- Adding the requirement for lobbyists to complete a monthly return containing details of actual lobbying activities in the previous month by the 15th of each subsequent month
- Declarations in those returns of what code of conduct the lobbyists has undertaken and where it is available for public viewing
Additionally, a newly enacted prohibition on gifts from lobbyists is included in the bill. However, the prohibition does not apply if the gift is given under the protocol or social obligations normally accompanying the duties of a public office holder and the total value of the gift given, directly or indirectly, is less $100 in a 12-month period.
Beginning in May, the registrar will also have the power to impose a prohibition on lobbying for up to 2 years.
Presently, a new online Lobbyists Registry is in development to replace the current Lobbyists Registry and is scheduled to launch on May 4, 2020.
Also effective on May 4, 2020, the Lobbyists Registration Regulation is repealed and the Lobbyist Transparency Regulation is enacted.
November 8, 2019 •
Recall Bill in Alberta Legislature
![Recall Bill in Alberta Legislature](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Alberta-Legislature-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Alberta Legislature Building - Timorose
On November 6, a bill to allow recall elections of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) was reported to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Bill 204, the Election Recall Act, allows constituents to petition for the recall of an MLA […]
On November 6, a bill to allow recall elections of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) was reported to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
Bill 204, the Election Recall Act, allows constituents to petition for the recall of an MLA if 40 percent of eligible voters sign the petition within a 60-day window.
A petition would not be permitted six months before or 18 months after a general election.
The legislation is a private bill introduced by MLA Mark Smith in October.
October 30, 2019 •
Provincial By-election for Capitale-Nationale riding of Jean-Talon to be Held December 2
![Provincial By-election for Capitale-Nationale riding of Jean-Talon to be Held December 2](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Quebec-Flag-1000x563.png)
On December 2, a provincial by-election will be held in the Capitale-Nationale riding of Jean-Talon for the Quebec National Assembly. The election will be held to fill the vacant seat of former Member of the National Assembly Sébastien Proulx, who […]
On December 2, a provincial by-election will be held in the Capitale-Nationale riding of Jean-Talon for the Quebec National Assembly.
The election will be held to fill the vacant seat of former Member of the National Assembly Sébastien Proulx, who resigned in August to return to private life.
The election was announced by Premier François Legault on October 27
October 9, 2019 •
Canada’s Government Contracts Regulations Requires Declaration: No Frauds Committed
![Canada’s Government Contracts Regulations Requires Declaration: No Frauds Committed](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Temporary-Canada-House-of-Commons-1000x563.jpg)
Temporary Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Bidders attempting to contract with the Canadian federal government are required to certify they have not committed crimes of fraud or acts of corruptions. Recent amendments to the Government Contracts Regulations require a bidder declare he or she has not, […]
Bidders attempting to contract with the Canadian federal government are required to certify they have not committed crimes of fraud or acts of corruptions.
Recent amendments to the Government Contracts Regulations require a bidder declare he or she has not, during the bid solicitation process, committed an act or engaged in an activity constituting any specifically enumerated violations under the nation’s Criminal Code, the Financial Administration Act, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, or the Competition Act.
Additionally, the amended rules allow a contracting authority to now enter into a construction contract, or any contract not using the solicitation of bids, when the value of the contract does not exceed $40,000, an increase from the previous threshold of $25,000.
October 9, 2019 •
Prince Edward Island Lawmakers Want Public Input on Rules
![Prince Edward Island Lawmakers Want Public Input on Rules](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Prince-Edward-Island-Legislative-Chamber-800x563.jpg)
Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly Chamber - Joseph Thornley
On October 7, lawmakers in the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly solicited public input regarding what procedural rules they should follow. The Standing Committee on Rules, Regulations, Private Bills and Privileges is seeking public input on the Rules of the […]
On October 7, lawmakers in the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly solicited public input regarding what procedural rules they should follow.
The Standing Committee on Rules, Regulations, Private Bills and Privileges is seeking public input on the Rules of the Legislative Assembly, in particular on potential changes to the parliamentary calendar, sitting hours, and budget process.
Public comments and suggestions by individuals and organizations must be in writing and submitted to the Assembly by October 25.
August 20, 2019 •
Election for Calgary Forest Lawn (Alberta) Vacant Seat to Be Held on Fixed October Election
![Election for Calgary Forest Lawn (Alberta) Vacant Seat to Be Held on Fixed October Election](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Temporary-Canada-House-of-Commons-1000x563.jpg)
Temporary Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
On October 21, 2019, the fixed date for Canadian federal elections, the election for the now-vacant seat in the House of Commons representing Calgary Forest Lawn (Alberta) will be held. Because this vacancy occurred less than nine months before October’s […]
On October 21, 2019, the fixed date for Canadian federal elections, the election for the now-vacant seat in the House of Commons representing Calgary Forest Lawn (Alberta) will be held.
Because this vacancy occurred less than nine months before October’s fixed-date general election, no by-election will be held.
On August 15, the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Stéphane Perrault, received official notice from the Speaker of the House of Commons that the seat for Calgary Forest Lawn (Alberta) became vacant.
The vacancy came following the death of MP Deepak Obhrai on August 2.
Obhrai had been the longest-serving Conservative member of Parliament.
August 15, 2019 •
Ethics Office Finds Trudeau Violated Conflict of Interest Act
![Ethics Office Finds Trudeau Violated Conflict of Interest Act](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Justin-Trudeau-crop-1000x563.jpg)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
On August 14, Canada’s federal ethics office issued a report finding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used his position to seek to influence a decision of the Attorney General of Canada relating to a criminal prosecution involving a Canadian corporation based […]
On August 14, Canada’s federal ethics office issued a report finding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used his position to seek to influence a decision of the Attorney General of Canada relating to a criminal prosecution involving a Canadian corporation based in Montreal.
The 63-page report, released by the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, was prepared by Commissioner Mario Dion.
Dion concludes in the report that Trudeau violated section 9 of the Conflict of Interest Act.
Section 9 prohibits public office holders from using their position to seek to influence a decision of another person to further their own private interests or those of their relatives or friends, or to improperly further another person’s private interests.
Included in the report is a summary of the official response from Trudeau’s legal counsel denying culpability.
August 9, 2019 •
By-Election to be Called for Ontario Legislative Assembly Seat for Electoral District of Ottawa-Vanier
![By-Election to be Called for Ontario Legislative Assembly Seat for Electoral District of Ottawa-Vanier](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ontario-Legislative-Assembly-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Legislative Assembly of Ontario building - Saforrest (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
Sometime on or before February 2, 2020, a by-election must be held for the seat in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the electoral district of Ottawa-Vanier. On August 2, the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario received a notice of […]
Sometime on or before February 2, 2020, a by-election must be held for the seat in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the electoral district of Ottawa-Vanier.
On August 2, the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario received a notice of vacancy for the position from the Assembly.
MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers, who had announced her intention to leave office on May 16, resigned on July 31 to begin working August 1 as the Principal of Massey College at the University of Toronto.
Any by-election in the province must be called within six months of the Chief Electoral Officer receiving notice of the vacancy.
July 19, 2019 •
July 31: Three MLAs to Resign Nova Scotia House of Assembly
![July 31: Three MLAs to Resign Nova Scotia House of Assembly](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Nova-Scotia-House-of-Assembly-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Province House, Nova Scotia - Louperivois
On July 31, three members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly will resign their positions to seek federal positions. The members, Chris D’Entremont, Alfie MacLeod, and Eddie Orrell, have been nominated as candidates for the Conservative Party of Canada. […]
On July 31, three members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly will resign their positions to seek federal positions.
The members, Chris D’Entremont, Alfie MacLeod, and Eddie Orrell, have been nominated as candidates for the Conservative Party of Canada.
The three are required to step down before the writ period begins for the fall elections.
By-elections for the soon-to-be-vacant provincial seats have not been yet been called.
June 7, 2019 •
Ontario Legislature Adjourns, Moves Return Date
![Ontario Legislature Adjourns, Moves Return Date](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ontario-Legislative-Assembly-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Legislative Assembly of Ontario building - Saforrest (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario adjourned its legislative session on June 6 and voted 64-35 to not return till October 28, a week following the federal election. Ontario is expected to be a major battleground in the upcoming election, with […]
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario adjourned its legislative session on June 6 and voted 64-35 to not return till October 28, a week following the federal election.
Ontario is expected to be a major battleground in the upcoming election, with the Conservative Party hoping to make major gains in the province.
Members of opposition parties suggest the extended break is an attempt to avoid hurting the Conservative Party’s chances to regain control.
June 4, 2019 •
Manitoba Assembly Adjourns: Municipal Amendment Act Receives Royal Assent
![Manitoba Assembly Adjourns: Municipal Amendment Act Receives Royal Assent](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Flag_of_Manitoba-1000x563.png)
By Kooma (original)Echando una mano (current) - Sodipodi's Clipart Gallery (through Wayback Machine), Public Domain, Link
On June 3, the 4th Session of the 41st Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, which began on November 20, 2018, adjourned until October 2, 2019. Bill 2, The Municipal Amendment Act (Strengthening Codes of Conduct for Council Members), received Royal Assent […]
On June 3, the 4th Session of the 41st Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, which began on November 20, 2018, adjourned until October 2, 2019.
Bill 2, The Municipal Amendment Act (Strengthening Codes of Conduct for Council Members), received Royal Assent on June 3.
The new law amends The Municipal Act to require a code of conduct for members of municipal councils be adopted through by-laws.
The code must include procedures for receiving and dealing with reports of contraventions, relevant sanctions, and training on the municipality’s code of conduct.
The new legislation requires each member of a council to undergo training.
Lawmakers plan to adjourn the Assembly again on November 7.
May 10, 2019 •
Bill in Ontario Addresses Leadership Fundraising
![Bill in Ontario Addresses Leadership Fundraising](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ontario-Legislative-Assembly-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Legislative Assembly of Ontario building - Saforrest (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
On April 29, a bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for purposes of clarifying certain contributions. Bill 103, the Election Finances Amendment Act (Leadership Fundraising Loophole) 2019, amends the Election Finances Act and provides that contributions to […]
On April 29, a bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for purposes of clarifying certain contributions.
Bill 103, the Election Finances Amendment Act (Leadership Fundraising Loophole) 2019, amends the Election Finances Act and provides that contributions to a leadership campaign following a leadership vote may only be used for the purpose of paying off campaign debt.
If passed, the private member’s bill introduced by MPP John Fraser, will come into effect on the day it receives Royal Assent.
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