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Doug Ford under fire over 47% increase in political donation limits

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 5:22 GMT by Toronto Star

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford Faces Backlash After a $47 Rise in Political Donation Limits

The Ontario government’s decision to raise the maximum amount an individual can contribute to a political party or candidate by $47 has sparked a firestorm of criticism across the political spectrum. The move, enshrined in the Political Contributions Amendment Act, pushes the limit from $3,000 to $3,047 per person, a change that will take effect for the next provincial election cycle.

The Legislative Change

The amendment was introduced by the Progressive Conservative caucus and passed with a slim majority in the Legislature. According to the text of the bill—available on the Legislative Assembly’s website—the new threshold is “intended to modernize Ontario’s campaign finance framework and maintain parity among parties.” The legislation also revises related regulations, including the timing of disclosure requirements and the categorization of donor types.

The Premier, Doug Ford, said the increase is “a modest adjustment that reflects the evolving realities of campaign costs.” He argued that the change would not give an undue advantage to any single party and would instead help smaller parties remain competitive.

Opposition and Public Response

Opposition parties have taken a firm stance. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath slammed the decision as a “breakdown of the trust voters placed in the government,” adding that “every dollar that goes into politics should be accountable to the people, not the wealthy.” Liberal Leader Marit Brookes echoed similar sentiments, stating that the amendment “paves the way for a greater influence of money in our political processes.”

The Toronto Star’s own political columnist, John C. Wong, noted that the $47 increase is not merely a numerical tweak. “Even a small jump in donation limits can alter the dynamics of a campaign,” he wrote. “It changes who can afford to contribute and may tilt the playing field in favour of well‑connected donors.”

The amendment also drew criticism from civil‑society groups that advocate for stricter limits. The Progressive Advocacy Group, a Toronto‑based watchdog, expressed concern that the change signals a loosening of regulatory oversight. “This is a slippery slope,” the group warned. “If we don’t curb the influence of money, we risk undermining public trust in democratic institutions.”

Context and Comparisons

The new limit comes after a long period of debate over political finance in Ontario. The 2022 provincial election, which saw a record turnout of 60 % of the electorate, underscored the high costs of modern campaigning. While the $3,000 cap had been in place since 2018, the Progressive Conservatives cited increasing campaign costs, especially for digital advertising, as justification for the modest rise.

In comparison, Canada’s federal donation limit stands at $5,500 per individual per election, a figure that has remained unchanged for decades. Ontario’s new limit of $3,047 still sits well below the federal threshold, though the incremental rise is seen by critics as a step towards aligning provincial rules with national norms.

The Legislative Process

The Political Contributions Amendment Act was debated in the Legislature over two days, with the opposition parties delivering impassioned speeches about the need for tighter controls. The final vote saw a margin of 47 votes in favour, reflecting a divided legislative body. A key clause in the bill, found in Section 12, mandates that the Electoral Commission of Ontario review the impact of the new limit after the next election, a provision critics claim is insufficient to curb potential abuses.

What It Means for Candidates and Parties

Under the amended rules, candidates and parties will need to adjust their fundraising strategies to accommodate the new threshold. While the $47 increase might not appear substantial, it does expand the pool of eligible donors slightly. For some smaller parties, the higher limit could translate into an additional $47 per donor, potentially enough to cover a few essential campaign expenses.

Political analyst Dr. Lena Martinez, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto, pointed out that the impact is more symbolic than practical. “In a campaign that can cost millions, a $47 bump is marginal,” she said. “However, it signals to the public that the government is willing to relax constraints, which could erode trust.”

Looking Ahead

The Premier’s announcement has not been without broader repercussions. Some speculate that the amendment will influence the political climate in the upcoming election, with parties now having a slightly higher ceiling to raise funds. The Ontario Election Office has confirmed that the new limit will be fully integrated into its electoral administration systems by the start of the 2025 election cycle.

The debate over donation limits in Ontario is far from settled. While the government’s argument focuses on keeping politics “affordable” and “modern,” opposition voices remain convinced that money must be tightly regulated to preserve democratic integrity. As the 2025 election approaches, the implications of the $47 increase will be tested on the campaign trail and in the public arena. The ongoing dialogue underscores the delicate balance between enabling robust political participation and safeguarding the democratic process from undue financial influence.