By-Election finances

The ATA wants to make by-election finances as simple as possible for all candidates. If you have a question about any of this material, please contact elections@ata.ab.ca. 

Financial assistance

Basic Grants

All registered candidates are eligible for a basic grant, which is payable in full to the candidate after they submit expenses at the end of the by-election. The grant is to help candidates cover the cost of producing campaign materials (eg, posters, websites and so forth) and other campaign expenses.

Grant Advances

All candidates may request 50 per cent of their basic grant amount in advance. To submit a request for a grant advance, email the administrative officer (elections@ata.ab.ca). Be sure to include receipts, quotes or invoices confirming incurred or pending expenditures.

Deadline to submit a grant advance request: November 14, 2024 (two weeks after the close of nominations). 

Travel Expense Coverage

Contested candidates are reimbursed for travel, accommodation and release time that is connected to election and campaign activity. Receipts or paid invoices are required for all expenditures claimed, except in the case of kilometres.

Financial reporting

Guidelines for Financial Reporting 

General

• Except for kilometrage, all claimed items must be accompanied by a receipt.
• Alcohol is not eligible as an expense.
• Expense claims must be submitted by January 12, 2025 (30 days after the set election day). 
• Contributions must include all self-funded and in-kind contributions, including a list of contributors donating more than $100. 
• Requirements related to financial reporting apply to any campaign contributions received and expenditures incurred both before and after the official campaign period. 
• The ATA posts individual candidates’ financial statements on the Members Only section of the site. They are available for 60 days following the election. 

General Campaign Expenses

• General campaign expenses include a wide scope of services and products including, but not limited to, printing, design, web hosting and advertising. If you are unsure of whether an item is eligible to be included in your claim, contact the returning officer.
• Campaign contributions from ATA subgroups, ie, locals, specialist councils and teachers’ convention associations, are prohibited.
• Campaign contributions from school boards or other organizations having a political or financial interest in the ATA or any of its local associations are prohibited. 

Campaign Travel Expenses

• Eligible campaign expenses are restricted to accommodation, release time and transportation.
• Parking is not an eligible travel expense, but it can be claimed as a General Campaign expense.