Party funding in Quebec: PQ barely defeated PCQ

The PQ expects to have the same budget in the October elections as in the 2018 general election, approximately $ 4 million, its leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, proposed.

Traditionally champion of popular financing, PQ has been downgraded in recent months by PCQ’s lightning rise. By the end of February, the latter party had raised nearly $ 200,000 in two months.

However, according to recent data from Élections Québec, PQ has collected $ 430,000 since January, while PCQ follows close to $ 428,000.

It is a sign of appreciation for what we do.commented Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon, in an interview with The Canadian Press.

There is nothing more important, more meaningful gesture than pulling out your checkbook. It is also a harbinger that we can count on some volunteers [pendant la campagne électorale].

On the other hand, more activists contributed to the Conservative kitty: 7,986 people, while the effort was donated by 4,188 donors to PQ.

The Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ), the party in power, raised $ 392,000, with only 3,179 donors.

The opposition also criticized fundraising cocktails in which activists were invited to meet with ministers, in exchange for a contribution of $ 100 or $ 200.

Liberal behind the pack

Québec solidaire only goes to over $ 300,000. The Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) is bringing the rear to the parties represented in the National Assembly, with $ 168,000. However, on Thursday, PLQ made a point of determining that it had jumped to $ 212,000 in recent days.

Money is the root of the war in the election campaign. The funds collected are used to fund advertising, among other things.

It changes our advertising budget in the next election, it’s very, very important to us, it changes the scope of our messageidentified Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon, without saying exactly where the advertising funds would be placed.

In this election year, under the Political Parties Financing Act, each voter is entitled to contribute up to a maximum of $ 200 to a party, whereas in a non-election year, the contribution is limited to $ 100. $.

The PQ recognizes that its methods will be more limited than those in party power.

The CAQ budget will be completely disproportionate [durant la campagne électorale]grievance of the PQ leader, referring to other aspects of party funding, such as the State’s payment of a contribution for each vote collected on the final ballot.

This is a small side effect of funding per vote, meaning they receive more funding from the state than other parties. The CAQ has left with an advantage and we are thinking about how to maximize every cent in election spending to carve a place for itself in an environment where the CAQ will spend. very much.