“Brampton Center in Ontario stands at 5th in raising the funds,” says Mr. Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament
In a national fundraising landscape where the Liberals have trailed behind the Conservatives, a detailed analysis of 2022 riding-level data presents a strikingly different narrative. Across Canada, Liberal electoral district associations have surged ahead, outpacing their Conservative counterparts by $2 million, showcasing a significant victory for grassroots endeavors.
An examination by The Hill Times of the 2022 annual statements filed with Elections Canada unveils that Liberal riding associations collectively raised $5.6 million, surpassing the $3.6 million raised by Conservative counterparts.
Parker Lund, a spokesperson for the Liberal Party, attributes this achievement to initiatives like the Liberal Victory Fund, which encourages supporters to contribute to both the federal party and their local riding associations monthly.
“Local fundraising stands as a significant achievement for the Liberal Party of Canada,” Lund emphasizes, stressing the crucial role of local teams in driving engagement and fundraising efforts.
“Brampton Center in Ontario stands at 5th in raising the funds,” says Mr. Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament, highlighting the localized success of Liberal efforts. Liberal MP Shafqat Ali (Brampton Centre Ont.), whose riding raised the fifth-most in the country, said that he’s been working in his community for about 20 years, and whenever he has asked for support, funds, or volunteers, people have provided that support “That’s the whole idea of being elected: When we go for votes [to people] we tell them that [we] will be your voice [in Ottawa],” said Ali. “And if you become their voice, you don’t have an issue to get support. And that’s what I do, and that’s what I believe in.”
Among the top Liberal riding associations in terms of fundraising are notable mentions like Mississauga-Lakeshore, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, and Scarborough Centre. Charles Sousa, MP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, emphasizes the importance of building relationships and fostering unity with constituents to drive fundraising efforts.
Reflecting on his experience, Sousa highlights the centrality of shared values and a pragmatic approach to governance in garnering support. His fundraising acumen is exemplified through events like a fundraiser held at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, signaling robust grassroots backing.
Other Liberal MPs echo similar sentiments, underscoring the significance of personal interactions, community engagement, and advocacy in driving fundraising success. MPs like George Chahal and Taleeb Noormohamed emphasize the importance of dialogue, relationship-building, and aligning interests with constituents.
Meanwhile, on the Conservative side, riding associations in Thornhill, Calgary Heritage, and Abbotsford emerged as top fundraisers. Conservative MPs also faced specific fundraising targets, with those meeting the criteria shielded from nomination challenges in the next federal election.
Overall, the triumph of Liberal riding associations in surpassing their Conservative counterparts underscores the importance of grassroots engagement and localized efforts in shaping the political landscape. As parties gear up for future electoral battles, the resilience of these local connections will undoubtedly remain a pivotal factor in determining success. (Source: The Hill Times)