Elections Alberta has launched an investigation, into allegations that a large donation made by Daryl Katz during the last provincial election was improper – and the premier said the results will be made public.
The investigation stems from complaints the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer received over donations made by Katz, his family and business groups – that totaled $430,000.
The single cheque was donated to the Progressive Conservatives during the last provincial election.
“The allegations are that those contributions were not from those individuals, but were from another source and individual,” Elections Alberta official Drew Westwater said. “So based on that and what’s been filed with us, the Chief Electoral officer has reviewed allegations once again, and determined an investigation would be appropriate.”
“We’re going to fully cooperate with any information he may desire,” PC MLA Doug Horner said. “I’m hopeful he’s going to look at all the donations that have gone in to all parties.”
“There are a lot of questions about it,” Opposition Leader Danielle Smith said. “If it turns out the allegation is true, that there was a single donation of $430,000 it would appear the election law has been broke, and there should be prosecution.”
The PC Party said they will not comment on specific donations.
The most one person can contribute is $30,000.
Now, official documents will be handed over to the Chief Electoral Officer as part of the investigation.
Officials said results from the investigation cannot be made public under the law by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer; however, the premier said Wednesday the PCs will release details.
If the Chief Electoral Officer finds wrongdoing in this investigation, the PC Party would have to return the money, and Katz would face a fine of $10,000.
With files from Kevin Armstrong
