Ontario NDP leader says proposed campaign finance reforms helps Liberals

Ontario's New Democratic Party says fundraising and campaign finance reforms proposed by the Liberals will hamper the ability of interest groups to make their voices heard during elections, while giving the government a free pass on advertising.

• Ontario Liberals reject non-partisan process for campaign finance reform

The Liberal government drafted legislation and invited the opposition parties to meet with them last week to provide input, but the NDP refused to attend, calling the consultation a sham.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released a letter Thursday on Facebook saying the NDP supports a ban on corporate and union donations, and is "broadly supportive" of restricting third-party advertising.

However, she says, restricting third parties to spending $100,000 in advertising during an election and having no corresponding restriction on government advertising gives the government an unfair advantage.

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"Your campaign finance legislation, as proposed, creates a significant benefit for the Liberal government," the NDP leader wrote.

Horwath says the party is concerned that the intent is to "limit the expression of any group or individual with a view different than the government's on virtually any issue, while maintaining and enhancing the Liberal government's ability to communicate and advertise without restriction."

Ontario's current rules require third parties to register and report their advertising expenditures during elections, but there are no limits on what they can spend.