A candidate has a surplus when the amount of their total contributions exceeds their total campaign period expenses.
A candidate has a deficit when the amount of their total expenses exceeds their total contributions received.
Surplus
Candidates must take action to address their surplus within 60 days of filing their campaign disclosure statement.
If the surplus is less than $1,000, candidates can:
- Keep the surplus; or
- Donate all or a portion to a registered charity of their choosing
If the surplus is more than $1,000, candidates must:
- Donate all or a portion to a registered charity
If candidates do not donate the entire surplus, the remaining funds must total less than $1,000.
Candidates who donate all or a portion of their surplus must file an amended disclosure that confirms that their surplus has been addressed. Edmonton Elections recommends that this should be captured as a campaign expense.
Deficit
Candidates must take action to eliminate their deficit within 60 days of filing their campaign disclosure statement.
Candidates may collect contributions from eligible individuals during this 60 day period, or address their deficit using their own funds (LAEA section 147.52). The contribution limits outlined in section 147.2 of the LAEA remain applicable.
Candidates must file an amended disclosure that confirms their deficit has been eliminated.