ABOVE THE FOLD
First in Observer — THE RACE IS (ALMOST) ON — Liberals hoping to kick-start their leadership contest have to hold out a little longer.
That’s because — despite setting the December 2 date earlier this week — the party has yet to submit its notice to Elections Ontario, which would start the race in earnest and require candidates to register and begin disclosing their fundraising activities.
“Leadership contestants must register with Elections Ontario to receive contributions and finance political activities in a contest period,” spokesperson RAFAËLLE PONS said by email. “Once we receive notice from the party, details of the contest will be posted on our website” — that includes names of registered contestants, timelines and, perhaps most importantly for transparency, money-making activity.
Show us the money: Leadership races are regulated by the provincial elections watchdog, but the disclosure rules are much more loose compared to that for parties at large. Fundraising …