Alberta NDP tops fundraising in first quarter of 2017

The NDP raised the most of all Alberta political parties in the first quarter of 2017.

The governing party, led by Premier Rachel Notley, raised $373,060 in the period from Jan. 1 to March 31, Elections Alberta reported this week.

The Official Opposition Wildrose Party raised $281,607 in donations.Albertanscontributed $216,884 to the Progressive Conservatives.

The PCs were in the final months of a leadership race during that period. Jason Kenney won the contest on March 18.

The Liberalsraised $47,436 in the first quarter while the Alberta Party raised $13,850.

Last fall, the Alberta Legislature passed the Fair Elections Financing Act, which puts a $4,000 limit on the amounta person can donate to candidates, parties, leadership contenders, constituency associations and candidates standing for nomination.

The NDP banned political donations from corporations and unions shortly after taking power in 2015.