Blaneys' Election Law Expert Comments on Fundraising Disclosure

October 25, 2011

Blaney McMurtry's election and political law expert, Jack Siegel, is quoted in an article in the October 15, 2011 edition of The Globe and Mail, "Ford Family Firms Gave Mayor's Campaign a Break on Late Payment Fees". According to the article, at a time when Mayor Ford is facing a possible compliance audit, the question has been raised about how he could come up with funds to defend himself, if an audit does go forward, given that the court has struck down a bylaw allowing the City to reimburse politicians for such costs.  Asked about fundraising for legal fees, Mr. Siegel said "the City of Toronto Act doesn't ...rule out soliciting donations" for that purpose.  He cautioned that "fundraisers can create potential conflicts" and even if the Act doesn't require disclosure, doing so under the same rules as apply to election campaign contributions would be "the most appropriate, ethical and transparent means of solving the problem".