B.C. Liberals report donations in ‘real time,’ raise $12.3 million in 2016
VICTORIA — The British Columbia Liberal Party says it will begin posting its political donations in real time, starting Friday by revealing it collected $12.3 million in corporate and individual contributions last year.
The Election Act filing deadline for 2016 donations is March 31, but the figures were released in what the party said is a voluntary move to improve transparency and accountability.
“Our system is based on a fair and simple principle: parties compete for financial support from those who share their values, just like they compete for votes,” said Todd Stone, Transportation Minister and Liberal Party campaign co-chairman in a statement.
“Our voluntary real-time reporting of donations, in addition to strict spending limits on parties during campaigns, means citizens can have confidence in our democracy,” he said.