Image: Canadian Press / Former BC United Leader Kevin Falcon. BC United emailed its supporters Thursday (Dec. 12) with an urgent plea for donations as it faces the possibility that it could fold.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

BC United

BC United pleads for donors to step forward or it will fold

Dec 12, 2024 | 1:09 PM

CHILLIWACK — BC United emailed its supporters Thursday (Dec. 12) with an urgent plea for donations as it faces the possibility that it could fold as a political party.

According to an email from the party, 2024 was one of its most challenging years in its history. BC United says it has faced significant hurdles consisting of declining public support and difficulties raising money after former leader Kevin Falcon stepped back from the 2024 campaign rather than split the vote and hand the NDP a substantial majority.

“Despite these challenges, meeting our financial obligations to those who believed in us—our members, volunteers, candidates, and staff—remains our top priority,” BC United wrote in an email to supporters. “Today, BC United remains a registered Political Party under the Elections Act and is still subject to the rules and regulations of Elections BC.”

The party says the immediate financial impact of standing down the party in the election is that BC United does not receive any per vote subsidies, estimated at $1.5 million last year, nor any reimbursement of 50 per cent of election expenses. Additionally, as a political party its fundraising options remain regulated by Elections BC, limiting individuals to a maximum contribution of $1,450 in 2024.

BC United claims its board of directors and a small, dedicated team have been, and continue to work tirelessly to fulfill BC United’s commitments, including settling outstanding liabilities. Meeting these obligations is not just about compliance with Elections BC—it is about doing the right thing.

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“The need is substantial—we must raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in the coming weeks to fulfill our obligations and ensure the party remains registered so that the membership will have the opportunity to decide what is next,” BC United wrote. “Together, we have raised this amount of money before and we believe we can come together to do it again and make sure our community is made whole. There is no alternative. Either we raise the funds required to meet our commitments, or BC United will be unable to continue.”

The max allowable donation per person in B.C. is $1,450, which equates to a tax credit of $550.

“This means that $1,450 will cost you $900. We know $900 is a lot of money and we don’t take that for granted,” BC United said. “Your donation today will make a critical difference in the political landscape in British Columbia. Every dollar brings us closer to meeting our financial obligations and ensuring that BC United’s members retail the ability to decide the party’s future.”

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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BC United pleads for donors to step forward or it will fold

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