Manitoba in full election mode as blackout kicks in before spring provincial election
CBC News | Posted: January 20, 2016 12:00 PM | Last Updated: January 20, 2016
Provincial election takes place April 19
Manitobans may notice fewer government announcements over the next three months and it's all about ensuring a fair election, says Elections Manitoba.
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On Wednesday restrictions on government announcements go into effect which ban government agencies, Crown corporations, or elected officials from using public funds or a public office to promote political parties.
"There are no government ads or notices allowed in this 90-day period with a few exceptions," said Alison Mitchell, manager of communications with Elections Manitoba.
Exceptions include emergency announcements in cases where the public's safety or health is at risk or if government is required to publicize information at a particular time during the 90-day period for things like requests for tenders or employment, she said.
Election rules in Manitoba are enforced through a complaint-driven process and it's up to parties to interpret the rules, said Mitchell.
Citizens can issue complaints with the Manitoba Commissioner of Elections if they believe government has violated the Elections Financing Act or the Elections Act.
New cap on advertising by third parties
Manitoba's political parties, unions, businesses, and everyday citizens are all covered by election spending restrictions in the province.
Third parties, such as unions, businesses, or even private individuals, can only spend up to $5,000 on political advertising once the writ is issued, said Mitchell.
Elections Manitoba expects the writ to be dropped, in other words for the official election period to begin, sometime between March 15 and March 22.
This is the first election in Manitoba that new rules apply to third-party spending on political advertising.
Political parties in Manitoba are allowed to spend a maximum of $268,000 on advertising from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016 (even though in practice none are likely to spend any money after the election) and individuals are barred from donating more than $3,000 to political parties this calendar year.
"It's aimed at limiting the impact of money on the electoral process," said Mitchell.
Elections Manitoba unveiled a new smartphone app in January, Mitchell added, which provides poll location and other voter information.