No change to contribution limits in new political donation bill

The Alberta government's new bill banning corporate and union political donations does not change contribution limits for individuals.

Under Bill 1, introduced in the legislature on Monday, only Alberta residents will beallowed to donate to the province's political parties.

The newly-elected NDP government will look later at contribution limitsand other issues in a broader review of the Elections Act.

Currently, individuals can still donate amaximum of $30,000 in an election year and $15,000 in non-election years.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said she is in favour of parties running less-costly election campaigns because it will have a positive impact on democracy.

"People will need to campaign on ideas and values and their commitment to the citizens of Alberta and I think that's a great thing," she said.

Once the bill is passed in the legislature, the measures will take effect retroactively toJune 15.

Under current Alberta law, candidates can continue fundraising for 90 days after an election. But once the bill passes, partieswill be unable to accept donations made on or after Monday.

Formercabinet minister Wayne Drysdale, who was re-elected on May 5supports the change but questions the timing.

"They should have waited until after the writ period probablybecause to change the rules in the middle of a writperiod is a little strange," he said.

The chief electoral officer was consulted on the changes.