Canada Proposes Ban on Crypto Political Donations
Canada’s federal government has proposed a total ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties, citing concerns that foreign entities could exploit the technology to interfere in elections. Known as the Strong…
Canada’s federal government has introduced legislation that would ban political donations made with cryptocurrency, money orders and prepaid cards, citing concerns these payment methods can obscure donors’ identities and enable foreign interference. The Strong and Free Elections Act, tabled Thursday, would amend the Canada Elections Act to prohibit parties and third parties from accepting donations in these forms.
House leader Steven MacKinnon, who sponsored the bill, said the measures are intended to block foreign threats and protect the integrity of elections. "With the introduction of the Strong and Free Elections Act, new investments to counter foreign threats and stronger government coordination, we are acting to ensure our elections remain free, fair and secure at all times," he said.
The proposal follows similar moves abroad: the UK announced a moratorium on crypto donations the same day after an independent review and pressure from senior politicians. In Canada, crypto donations have been allowed since 2019 and are treated as property for electoral purposes, but concerns about tracing contributors prompted a 2024 report by chief electoral officer Stéphane Perrault recommending a ban.
This is not the government’s first attempt. A comparable bill introduced in 2024 by then-public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc failed to pass a second reading and died on the order paper. The new bill must pass further readings, a committee review in the House, Senate approval and royal assent before becoming law.
Under the proposed rules, any contributions made using banned payment methods would need to be returned, destroyed or surrendered to the chief electoral officer. Penalties for violations could include fines up to twice the value of the contribution, plus statutory fines of up to $25,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.
The bill would also broaden prohibitions against realistic deepfakes that impersonate electoral candidates to mislead voters, an issue that drew attention during the 2024 U.S. election cycle, including a reported manipulated clip of then-President Joe Biden.
Readers are encouraged to verify details independently as the bill progresses through Parliament.
