Election inflation adjustment factor 2020

Summary#

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer published the inflation adjustment factor used under the Canada Elections Act for the one-year period beginning April 1, 2020. The factor is 1.491 (calculated as 161.9 ÷ 108.6) and will be used to update various election spending limits and audit subsidies. The notice is signed by Stéphane Perrault, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.

What it does#

• Sets the inflation adjustment factor for the year starting April 1, 2020 at 1.491 (from 161.9 ÷ 108.6).
• Says this number will be used to recalculate:
  • limits on election expenses for candidates;
  • limits on partisan advertising expenses and election expenses for registered parties;
  • limits on partisan activity expenses, partisan advertising expenses, election advertising expenses and election survey expenses for third parties;
  • audit subsidy payments for registered associations, nomination contestants, candidates and leadership contestants.

Who's affected#

• People who run for office (candidates).
• Political parties that are registered under the Canada Elections Act.
• Third parties that pay for partisan advertising or election surveys.
• Registered associations, nomination contestants and leadership contestants who receive audit subsidies.
• If it is unclear whether a specific person or group is covered, they should check the Canada Elections Act or ask Elections Canada.

Why it matters#

• The factor changes the maximum amounts people and groups can spend in political campaigns and on election-related advertising for the year starting April 1, 2020.
• It also changes the amount of audit subsidy money some campaign entities can receive.
• In short, it adjusts campaign finance limits and subsidies to keep them aligned with inflation.