Feature Story
November 2008
An agent for financial matters…
“Paid for and authorized by the official agent of the … party”. We sure heard that one a lot this year! In Quebec, a political party or candidate must be able to explain his spending during the election campaign. That is precisely what an official agent does.
How does one become an official agent?
When a candidate decides to run for election at the National Assembly, he must file a nomination paper. In the nomination paper he has to name his official agent who must also sign it.
The official agent of the party is chosen by the leader of the party. Should the leader fail to appoint one, the
official representative of the party will act as the official agent for the party. The official representative plays a similar role to the official agent with one big difference: he takes care of the money coming in when there isn’t an election called.
Not everyone can be an official agent. You have to:
- be an elector;
- not be a candidate or the leader of a party;
- not be a person working to organize the elections.
What does an official agent do?
During the campaign, the official agent administers the electoral fund. The expenses of a candidate or a party must be financed from this fund and from nowhere else.
The agent authorizes the expenses incurred in the name of his candidate or of his party. He ensures that these expenses fall within what’s allowed. He must particularly:
- Respect the maximum amount allowed;
- Refuse discounts or specials that are really hidden contributions;
- Obtain detailed invoices for any expense of $200 or more.
The official agent gives the Chief Electoral Officer a detailed report after the elections are over.
Does it require a lot of time?
Becoming an official agent should not be taken lightly. After all, the agent that does not perform his duties can be fined up to $10,000. That’s without mentioning all of the problems that his candidate might encounter as a result.
The law helps the official agent fulfill his duties by allowing him to ask for non-paid leave or for the right to work part-time, as soon as elections are called. If needed, this leave can go on for up to 4 months after the elections have ended.
The official agent of the party can also have deputies if the leader of the party agrees.
