To solicit or collect political contributions, contract loans or incur expenses, a party must hold an authorization from the Chief Electoral Officer. The authorization process is not restrictive and in no way does it seek to control or even evaluate the party’s platform and policies.
The authorization of a political party remains valid insofar as the party pays its bills in the six months following their receipt, pays the interest owing annually, and submits the stipulated information, reports and returns in accordance with the Election Act.
When the Chief Electoral Officer is planning to withdraw his authorization from a party, he must give the party the opportunity to be heard during a hearing.
An authorized political party that does not present a candidate at a general election or a by-election may choose to act as a private intervenor. It must then notify the Chief Electoral Officer of this choice.
