Tighter rules for candidate nomination, leadership contests a good step, but governance experts say enforcement and donation ‘loophole’ issues remain

Changes implemented by Bill C-25 mean candidate nomination and leadership contests are being approached with 'a level of seriousness,' says Aaron Shull with the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

Dalhousie University professor Lori Turnbull, left, says she doesn't know if Ottawa can fully enforce Bill C-25's provisions but it's the first attempt to create legal protections for candidate nominations and leadership races. Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher says the bill is inadequate regarding third-party financial donation rules.Photograph courtesy of Lori Turnbull; The Hill Times photograph by Aidan Raynor

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BY JESSE CNOCKAERT

July 20, 2026

Recent changes to tighten rules for political parties’ nomination contests provide “something to stand on,” although some critics are concerned about enforcement issues, and a potential loophole that could still allow foreign money to influence domestic politics.

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