SCOOP: How the parties stack up financially
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ABOVE THE FOLD
First in Observer — It’s that time of year again, when political parties divulge their annual financial returns — and some closed out 2022 in better shape than others.
By the numbers:
For the PCs: The ruling party ended 2022 with a small surplus — impressive in a campaign year, but not surprising for the Tories, who have always boasted a strong fundraising prowess — clocking in at $270,404 after expenses. According to Elections Ontario’s disclosures, the party had more than $3.4 million in the bank and $1 million in debt (listed as borrowings and overdraft).
Notable expenses include more than $2.2 million for salaries and benefits, $1 million on advertising, and $368,658 for research and polling.
As for the money coming in: The PCs earned more than $8.6 million from political donations and $6.4 million from the taxpayer-funded per-vote subsidy (which is being phased out next year, offset by an increasing donation limit).
For the NDP: The Official Opposition w…