Show Me the Money: Local Campaign Expenses in Canada, 2004-2019

• In Event: Longitudinal Assessments of Canadian Politics

Abstract

One of the internationally recognised principles of campaign finance is the equitable access to funds by candidates and parties. Previous research from the American context has debated, for example, whether the lack of women running for elected office may be related to weaker fundraising networks (Burrell, 1985, 2005). The results of these studies are mixed, however, with some arguing that women are unable to raise the same amounts as their male counterparts (Baxter & Lansing, 1983), while others finding that women fundraise just as much as (or even more than) their male counterparts (Hogan, 2007; Uhlaner & Schlozman, 1986).

This project considers two major questions relating to the campaign donations received by local candidates in Canadian elections. It uses data from Elections Canada’s campaign contributions and expenses database for general elections between 2004 and 2019.

Firstly, which candidates receive the greatest amounts of money from donors? Current public financing regimes are predicated upon expense reimbursements and tax breaks for donors, thus all candidates must fund their entire campaign upfront, without public money. What are the implications of this financing regime? In other words, who can access the funds needed to launch a successful election campaign? I consider whether donation levels correlate with a variety of factors related to the candidate, including gender, region, party, incumbency, and competitiveness of the race.

Secondly, how are these funds used by local candidates? This project also explores how campaign funds are spent by candidates at the riding level. What percentage of funds are allocated to categories such as: advertising (by type – print, television, radio, new media), IT services, staff, hospitality, signage etc.)? Does this vary systematically by location, both in terms of province and also by urbanity or rurality? I will additionally consider whether this has changed over time. Since 2004, social media and the use of the internet has grown immensely. Has this growth had an impact on how candidates use their campaign funds?

In sum, this research will contribute to our understanding of the changing nature of expenses on electoral campaigns and the role of money in politics in Canada.

Author

• Holly Ann Garnett, Royal Military College of Canada