'This impacts democracy': Sask. election candidate fee increases to $500, Green Party leader stands against hike
The financial deposit to become a candidate in the upcoming Saskatchewan election has spiked from $100 to $500.
The price tag for a party to run in all 61 constituencies is now $30,500 — compared to the previous $6,100.
While the cost is refundable, Naomi Hunter, leader of the Saskatchewan Green Party, is standing against the hike.
“We have a real concern that this impacts democracy,” Hunter told CTV News.
Though the Green Party covers the deposit, Hunter is concerned the increase will deter independent, low-income candidates from getting involved in politics.
“I believe we need to hear more voices in our elections, not less,” Hunter said.
The Saskatchewan Liberal Party is supporting the Green Party’s message.
Saskatchewan’s candidate deposit amount has been $100 since 1905. It was changed to $500 in December, as part of Bill 123.
It was Elections Saskatchewan’s recommendation to change the amount.
“A recommendation to increase the nomination deposit was made by Elections Saskatchewan, following a significant increase in candidates failing to submit returns following the 2020 provincial general election,” Elections Saskatchewan wrote in an email to CTV News.
Saskatchewan’s law is not in line with the federal election rules — where people do not need to make any financial deposits to become a candidate.
There used to be a deposit of $1,000 for federal candidates. But in 2017, a judge ruled the deposit requirement was “in breach of the Charter right of each citizen to be eligible to participate meaningfully in the electoral process as a candidate.”
As a result, the financial deposit requirement was struck down.
Hunter is calling for Saskatchewan to do the same.
“I would actually like to see them do away with nomination fees and create better accessibility for everyone in our elections,” Hunter said.
Saskatchewan’s election is set for Oct. 28.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.