Who Gives? Political Finance Donations in Canada

Holly Ann Garnett
Assistant Professor
Royal Military College

Abstract: The 2015 Canadian federal election saw a record amount of money spent by candidates and parties, even allowing for the longer campaign. Money is required in politics to mobilize and educate voters, but it may become a problem if the sources and recipients of money are not representative of the overall population. This talk explores who gives in Canada, and why it matters.

Bio: Holly Ann Garnett is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the Royal Military College and a fellow of the Queen’s Institute of Intergovernmental Relations. Her research examines electoral integrity, including the role of election management bodies, registration and voting methods, election technologies, civic literacy and campaign finance. She is a co-convener of the Electoral Management Network, and contributes to the Electoral Integrity Project.