'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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.