The New Democratic Party of Canada faces a severe funding shortage after electoral results left hundreds of its candidates ineligible for campaign expense reimbursements, according to Elections Canada data.
Federal regulations require candidates to secure at least 10% of votes to qualify for expense rebates. Only 46 of the party’s 342 candidates met this threshold in the recent election.
The financial implications are substantial. During the previous two electoral cycles, the NDP received $12.1 million (2021) and $5.9 million (2019) in rebates when over 250 candidates qualified.
“It’s going to hurt the party. There’s absolutely zero doubt about it,” said Cam Holmstrom, an NDP strategist. “It’s going to be a big, big kick in the teeth when it comes to the party financially.”
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Elections Canada typically reimburses up to 60% of candidate expenses and 50% of party expenditures, with accessibility costs covered at 90%.
The party captured just 6.5% of the national vote, securing seven parliamentary seats — insufficient for official party status. Performance was particularly poor in the Greater Toronto Area, where most candidates recorded single-digit results.
“The actual amounts of the expenses are based on the expenses incurred by parties and candidates eligible for reimbursement, which we won’t know until the election financial returns are submitted,” said Matthew McKenna from Elections Canada in an email.
Candidates have until August 28 to submit financial returns, while parties must file by December 29.
The funding crisis follows previous financial struggles. Before the 2019 election, the party mortgaged its Ottawa headquarters for $12 million amid declining donations, though CBC reported last year the debt had been paid off.
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