The flagship first bill of Alberta’s new NDP government that bans corporate and union donations to political parties has passed in the legislature.
Opponents, however, say much work remains to be done to close the loopholes.
Bill 1, An Act to Renew Democracy in Alberta, passed unanimously in third reading late Monday night, and when signed into law will ban donations retroactively to June 15.
“It puts the power back in the hands of Alberta citizens rather than those with the deepest pockets in terms of determining the political future of this province,” Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said Tuesday.
The bill keeps individual donation limits at $15,000 a year.
Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark tried to get that donation limit reduced to $5,000 a year, but the motion was defeated.
There was also debate over who fostered the idea of political donation reform.
Premier Rachel Notley told the house late Monday that Wildrose is wrong to claim the idea was theirs.
Notley said it was NDP policy when she joined up in 2008.
Alberta passes bill banning political donations from corporations and unions - The Globe and Mail
Opponents, however, say much work remains to be done to close the loopholes.
Bill 1, An Act to Renew Democracy in Alberta, passed unanimously in third reading late Monday night, and when signed into law will ban donations retroactively to June 15.
“It puts the power back in the hands of Alberta citizens rather than those with the deepest pockets in terms of determining the political future of this province,” Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said Tuesday.
The bill keeps individual donation limits at $15,000 a year.
Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark tried to get that donation limit reduced to $5,000 a year, but the motion was defeated.
There was also debate over who fostered the idea of political donation reform.
Premier Rachel Notley told the house late Monday that Wildrose is wrong to claim the idea was theirs.
Notley said it was NDP policy when she joined up in 2008.
Alberta passes bill banning political donations from corporations and unions - The Globe and Mail