BILL TO END POLITICAL DONATIONS FROM CORPORATIONS AND TRADE UNIONS TO HAVE SECOND READING – 16 FEBRUARY 2017

Fredericton – Today in the Legislative Assembly, David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, will bring his amendments to the Political Process Financing Act forward for Second Reading. Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Political Process Financing Act will eliminate political donations from corporations and trade unions.

“My bill is a first step to take to end the pay-to- play culture that permeates New Brunswick politics and corrodesour democracy,” said Coon. “Corporate donations always skyrocket for the party in power, indicating that corporations see tremendous value in paying to play. This creates the perception for others, including some businesses, municipalities and voluntary organizations that they must “pay to play” for fear of missing out on a grant or contract.”

The Leader of the Green Party sees Bill 20 as the first step to eliminating corporate influence on New Brunswick politics.