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• Shortcuts Key dates Election expenses Returns to be produced

• Definition of an election expense
• Election expense limits
• Reimbursement of election expenses

Definition of an election expense

An election expense is defined as being the cost of all goods and services used during the election period. An expense not included in election expenses is the cost of all goods and services used before or after the election period.

Hence, it is the time of use of the goods and service that determines whether or not it is an election expense. According to the Act, an election expense may be used to:

• promote or oppose, directly or indirectly, the election of a candidate or the candidates of a party;
• propagate or oppose the program or policies of a candidate or party;
• approve or disapprove courses of action advocated or opposed by a candidate or party;
• approve or disapprove any act done or proposed by a party, a candidate or their supporters.

Election expense limits

To promote greater fairness for all candidates, the Act imposes a limit on election expenses for each position. Here are the limits set for the election expenses of a candidate.

For the position of mayor or of borough mayor, a sum of $5,400, to which is added:

• $0.42 per person entered on the list of electors of the municipality without exceeding 20,000 entered persons;
• $0.72 per person entered on this list and included in the segment ranging from 20,001 to 100,000 entered persons;
• $0.54 per person entered on this list and included in the segment exceeding 100,000 entered persons.

For the election to the position of councillor, the maximum amount of election expenses is $2,700, plus:

• $0.42 per person entered on the list of electors of the electoral district.

For calculation purposes, the number of entered persons corresponds to the greater of the number appearing on the unrevised list of electors and that appearing on the revised list.

Candidate elected unopposed

Starting from the date of the end of the nomination period, the official agent can no longer incur or authorize expenses for a candidate elected unopposed.

Reimbursement of election expenses

After having received and checked the return of election expenses, the treasurer reimburses, out of the general fund of the municipality, an amount equal to 50% of the election expenses entered in the return of election expenses, incurred and paid pursuant to the Act, to a candidate:

• who was elected, or
• who obtained at least 15% of the votes cast during the election for the position in question.

The reimbursement to which the independent candidate is entitled cannot exceed the amount of the debts arising from his election expenses and his personal contribution.