To their credit, the governments of Jean Chretien and Stephen Harper introduced limits on political contributions. Individuals can donate annually up to $1,525 to a federal party and another $1,525 to a party’s riding association. Donations by unions and corporations are banned. Compared to many countries, most notoriously the United States, we have taken steps to curb the excessive influence that money can exert over political decisions. The donations being made at these Liberal Party fundraisers are, indeed, within the limits imposed by Canadian law. So why are they generating so much attention?
The Risk of Raising Expectations
The problem with promising a fresh new approach to governing is that expectations are raised – and it is very disappointing when they are dashed only one year into a new mandate. The Liberals were elected not only (or even primarily) because of the policies that they offered but also because they promised to govern differently than the outgoing Conservative regime. After a decade of the authoritarian, hyper-partisan, pushing the ethical envelope approach of the Harper Government, Canadians were attracted to the “sunny ways” offered by the Liberal Party. It pledged to be more open and accountable and more accessible for all Canadians. Prime Minister Trudeau’s core principles for Ministers reinforced this concept by stating that “there should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access [emphasis added], accorded to individuals or organizations because they have made financial contributions to politicians and political parties.”
Fundraising events held in private homes or clubs and costing between $500 and $1,500 to attend are not open and accessible to all. To the contrary, they give every appearance of providing preferential access to those making financial contributions to the party. The fact that these activities may fall within the letter of the law misses the point. We didn’t elect the Liberals to continue with politics as usual. We expected, and deserve, better.