Dear Editor:
Re: NDP Unveils Corporate and Union Donation Legislation, Sept. 20 front-page story.
We have had the best democratically elected government that money can buy. The problem is those who give money get the favours, the rest of us end up paying the bill.
The proposed legislation does not go far enough to give us a government that puts people’s interests ahead of that of donors and we should be disappointed.
Allowing political parties to raise their own money has given us the Wild West of election financing, where special-interest donors get the benefits of government largesse and also get a tax benefit. Does this tax benefit not count as the public funding political parties, albeit camouflaged? What is wrong with public funding of political parties? If we want government decisions that benefit the majority as opposed to the “special” minority, we must pay for it but we must hold them accountable.
Maybe there is time to change the legislation. If not, how about putting regulations where donors must choose the party of their choice but send the donation to Elections BC. This will eliminate the need to refund illegal contributions. And require those attending private fundraisers to purchase an entry ticket from Elections BC. Then we know that everything is above board.
John Consiglio
North Vancouver
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