For the first time ever, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has registered as a political third party, stepping up its advocacy efforts ahead of October’s federal election.
CAPP told Postmedia it’s not aligned with any specific party, but changes to the Canada Elections Act mean it must register if it’s to discuss, during the writ period, issues that could be associated with a particular candidate.
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“Given that energy remains one of the top issues being discussed by political leaders, we registered as a third party to allow us to represent our members on key issues that impact the oil and natural gas industry,” media relations manager Jay Averill said in an email to the Calgary Sun. “The world needs more Canadian energy and it’s time to step up and deliver that message.”
Environmental groups have taken umbrage with Elections Canada over the restrictions that describing climate change as “real” could be considered partisan.
Any partisan activity — including advertising, surveys, or any kind of campaign costing at least $500 — would require a charity to register as a third party for the election, an onerous requirement that could jeopardize a group’s charitable tax status.
On Page 99 of its election platform, Alberta’s UCP promised it would ask the energy industry to “significantly increase its advocacy efforts.”
(Calgary Sun)
