Who can make contributions
- Only individuals who normally reside in Ontario may contribute.
- Contributions must come from the contributor’s own funds.
- Corporations and trade unions cannot contribute to a municipal candidate’s campaign.
- Organizations such as associations, clubs, or professional associations also cannot contribute as organizations, although their individual members may contribute personally.
- Anonymous contributions generally cannot be accepted, except for limited circumstances involving donations of $25 or less at a fundraising event.
Contribution limit
- An individual may contribute a maximum of $1,200 total to a campaign. This includes monetary donations, donated goods or services, and fundraising ticket purchases.
- An individual may contribute no more than $5,000 total to candidates running for offices on the same Hamilton City Council.
- Cash contributions are limited to $25 or less. Contributions above $25 must be made using a traceable payment method that identifies the contributor and source of funds.
Privacy and tax information
- The candidate is required to issue a receipt for every contribution.
- Campaign contribution receipts are not charitable tax receipts.
- Contributions to an Ontario municipal council campaign are not deductible for federal or provincial income tax purposes.
- If a contributor gives more than $100 in total, their name and address must be included in the campaign financial statement, which is a public document.
- Records of contributors even when their total contribution is $100 or less will be recorded, since multiple contributions can eventually exceed $100.