Parties score dough off early election, booze, and each other

And fresh regs

ABOVE THE FOLD

FUNDRAISING WATCH — Money is top of mind this week.

Yesterday, I told you how much cash the political parties raked in last year. Today, we’re delving into the issues the parties are now looking to score some cash off of.

Why it matters: With all the buzz about an early election, fundraising is front and centre in (nascent) war rooms. Mounting a competitive campaign requires some serious cash — and the more dough in a party’s arsenal, the more resources they’ll have to run advertising, tour Ontario’s 124 ridings, order pizza for door-knockers and more.

Speaking of a potential snap vote: That’s something New Democrats and Greens are hoping will bring in the big bucks.

The NDP’s latest email blast from digital director QUDUS ABUSALEH: “Two weeks ago, I announced that we are raising money to run big ad campaigns to prepare for the 2026 election. But then, just a few days later, we all heard the news: DOUG FORD might call an early election. If that's all you need to hear to …