Federal Parties See Drop in Donations During Height of Pandemic

Passengers wearing masks to protect against COVID-19 disembark from a bus in Montreal on July 27, 2020. Federal political parties are seeing a significant drop in donations this year as the pandemic continues to impact the lives and pocket books of Canadians. The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz

OTTAWA—Newly released figures show federal political parties are seeing a significant drop in donations this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lives and pocket books of Canadians.

Second quarter financial returns released by Elections Canada this week show the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP took in less money between April and June—when the economy was virtually shut down and Canadians were hunkered in their homes to avoid catching COVID-19—than during the same period two years ago.