TORONTO – Ontario’s Liberal government is considering extending a proposed ban on fundraising by all provincial politicians and candidates to chiefs of staff.
Attorney General Yasir Naqvi also says it’s possible that with a whole new set of restrictions the practical effect might be the end of fundraisers as they currently exist.
READ MORE: Ontario MPP fundraising ban to include candidates, nomination contestants
The government has reintroduced election finance reform legislation after prorogation, and the Liberals have said they’ll introduce an amendment to ban not only MPPs, but also candidates, party leaders, nomination contestants and leadership contestants from fundraising.
But the Opposition says it still amounts to cash for access if senior government decision makers such as chiefs of staff are allowed to attend fundraising events.
READ MORE: Ontario Liberals propose to ban all MPPs from fundraising events
The Liberal government first introduced legislation amid criticism over fundraising events that saw cabinet ministers attend high-priced functions with stakeholders.
Attorney General Yasir Naqvi says details of their amendments are not yet finalized, but he has not ruled out extending the ban to chiefs of staff.
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