A group supporting Alberta separation, represented by a third-party advertiser, expressed satisfaction with Elections Alberta’s directive for a pro-Confederation organization to disclose certain campaign finances. Cory Morgan, the founder of Pathway to Independence, has criticized Forever Canadian for not initially revealing its fundraising totals. Morgan highlighted the discrepancy in fundraising transparency, especially regarding former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk’s ongoing campaign activities without financial declarations.
Elections Alberta recently reached a compliance agreement with Forever Canadian, requiring the group to report expenses related to events where referendum positions were discussed, including those involving the Unity Bus post-August 20. Despite registering as a third-party advertiser on June 8, Forever Canadian had not disclosed financial contributions until now, citing compliance with Elections Alberta rules due to the absence of explicit promotion for a specific referendum choice. However, the group announced a shift towards active campaigning and financial transparency, with reported donations exceeding $94,000 as of October 1.
Maximum contribution limits for third-party advertisers are set at $607,000, with donations over $50 necessitating reporting and individuals prohibited from exceeding a combined $5,000 annual donation limit. Only Alberta residents are eligible to contribute. Cory Morgan emphasized the importance of upholding these regulations uniformly and criticized the perceived inadequacy of the compliance agreement, urging for prompt financial disclosures before the upcoming voting day.
Rebel News Network Ltd. had raised concerns about Forever Canadian’s financial reporting to Elections Alberta in July, culminating in a judicial review application last month. The court denied the request for expedited handling ahead of the impending referendum on October 19, where Albertans will decide on continued Canadian affiliation or pursue a binding referendum on secession.
Stephen Carter, leading the pro-Confederation third-party advertiser Alberta’s Voice, expressed approval of the compliance agreement’s enforcement, emphasizing the significance of a transparent and equitable referendum process overseen by Elections Alberta. Carter welcomed the inclusion of Forever Canadian within the regulatory framework governing third-party advertisers.