Election inflation factor 2024

Summary#

The federal elections office published an inflation adjustment factor of 1.722 for the one-year period starting April 1, 2024. That factor will be used to update spending limits and some subsidy payments tied to federal election rules. The page also notes a routine reference to Standing Order 130 and the Private Members’ Business Office about private-bill notices.

What it does#

• Sets the inflation adjustment factor at 1.722 for the year beginning April 1, 2024.
• Says that this factor will be applied when calculating:
  • limits on election expenses for candidates;
  • limits on partisan advertising and election expenses for registered parties;
  • limits on partisan activity, partisan advertising, election advertising and election survey expenses for third parties;
  • audit subsidy payments for registered associations, nomination contestants, candidates and leadership contestants.
• Reminds readers that Standing Order 130 (about notices for private bills) was previously published and gives a contact for the Private Members’ Business Office.

Who's affected#

• People running for federal office and their campaign teams.
• Registered parties and their financial officers.
• Groups or individuals doing political advertising or campaigning as third parties.
• Registered associations, nomination contestants, and leadership contestants who receive audit subsidies.
• The Private Members’ Business Office and anyone following private-bill notices.

Why it matters#

• The factor increases the dollar limits and subsidy amounts used in federal election rules. In practice, that means higher permitted campaign spending and larger audit subsidies compared with the previous year.
• Campaigns, parties and third parties will need to use the new factor when planning budgets and reporting finances for the coming year.
• The change is administrative and routine, but it affects the financial ceiling around federal election activity.