Campaign Finance

Campaign finance rules are in place for all municipalities under The Municipal Act. Once registered, candidates can begin accepting contributions and spending money on their campaign. Candidates will be allowed to spend money and collect contributions during the entire campaign period: 

Mayors                                                                         Councillors
May 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027                  June 30, 2026 to March 31, 2027 
 
The campaign period extends beyond Election Day to allow candidates to continue to solicit contributions to help cover any campaign expenses or to spend any money left over. For example, candidates may want to host a thank you lunch for their volunteers. 

Campaign Account 

Candidates must set up a campaign account at a financial institution (ex: bank, credit union, 
caisse populaire) if they are going to receive monetary contributions from others.  
Details of the account, including the name of the financial institution, account number, etc. need 
to be provided to the SEO on the Registration Form. The campaign account must be used only 
for election purposes.

Contributions

The maximum amounts an individual can contribute to one candidate: 
• $1,500 to mayors/reeves and councillors elected at large; 
• $750 to councillors elected by ward; 
These contribution limits also apply to candidates and their spouses. 

Contributions may only be received from Residents of Manitoba.

Contributions may not be received from: 

• Unions, corporations or any other organizations, for example the chamber of commerce or rotary club. 
• Anonymous contributors. Any candidate who receives an anonymous contribution must turn it over to the SEO. 

Expenses

The limit to campaign expenses that may be incurred by registered candidates for Mayor is $21,800 and for Councillors is $5,500.

Eligible expenses may include but are not limited to: 

• Costs for a hall or room rentals for public meetings 
• Fees for printing pamphlets, notices and advertisements or making signs 
• Costs for hiring vehicles and drivers for campaign purposes 
• Costs for food and refreshments for candidates or campaign volunteers served at election meetings 
• Travel expenses such as gas 

Non-monetary contributions that were used for the purpose of the election campaign should also be listed as expenses. Expenses also include election-related expenses incurred on behalf of the candidate by their campaign (volunteers, agent, etc.). 

Additional information can be found in the 2026 Candidates Guidebook and the Campaign Expense And Contributions By Law No. 6974C