No change to contribution limits in new political donation bill

The Alberta government's new bill banning corporate and union political donations does not change contribution limits for individuals.

Under Bill 1, introduced in the legislature on Monday, only Alberta residents will be allowed to donate to the province's political parties.

The newly-elected NDP government will look later at contribution limits and other issues in a broader review of the Elections Act.

Currently, individuals can still donate a maximum of $30,000 in an election year and $15,000 in non-election years.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said she is in favour of parties running less-costly election campaigns because it will have a positive impact on democracy.

"People will need to campaign on ideas and values and their commitment to the citizens of Alberta and I think that's a great thing," she said.

Once the bill is passed in the legislature, the measures will take effect retroactively to June 15.  

Under current Alberta law, candidates can continue fundraising for 90 days after an election. But once the bill passes, parties will be unable to accept donations made on or after Monday.  

Former cabinet minister Wayne Drysdale, who was re-elected on May 5 supports the change but questions the timing. 

"They should have waited until after the writ period probably  because to change the rules in the middle of a writ period is a little strange," he said. 

The chief electoral officer was consulted on the changes.