HRM staff recommend public input on campaign finance reform
Regional council will have final say on if limits should be put on donations in municipal elections
The public may get a chance to have its say on campaign finance reform for municipal elections in the Halifax region.
A new report, going to the city's executive committee on Monday, says there should "extensive public consultation."
The issues include:
- election campaign spending limits
- maximum contribution amounts
- disclosure requirements
- eligibility to contribute
- dates for making contributions
In the October 2016 election Mayor Mike Savage and six councillors accepted donations from developers, real estate business and construction companies. A couple of other councillors received donations from unions.
No rules on donations
Unlike federal and provincial campaigns, there are no rules limiting how much or who can donate to municipal elections.
Deputy Mayor Steve Craig was acclaimed last fall in District 15 and self-financed a previous campaign.
"My stance has always been anyone who can vote should be able to contribute time or money," said Craig.
But Craig is willing to consider barring organizations — whether a non-profit group, business or union — from making donations.
Not a big issue, Adams says
"If the public says they ought not to be able to contribute, wonderful, we'll take that and look at it," said Craig.
But Coun. Steve Adams, who represents District 11, is not convinced any reforms will bring about meaningful change.
"If someone wants to do something that's illegal or untoward, they'll probably find a way," said Adams.
Adams adds he does not think this is a burning issue in his district.
Staff suggests 3 public sessions
"I never heard anything during the campaign, not a word," said Adams.
It will be up to regional council to decide if there should be consultation on campaign finance reform.
Staff suggest three public sessions plus online feedback and information on social media.
The province gave Halifax the power to make changes in May 2016. But municipal officials said there wasn't enough time for new rules to be in place for the October 2016 election.
The next municipal campaign will take place in 2020.
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