The country’s three largest political parties have joined a growing list of organizations looking for federal support during the pandemic.
The country’s three largest political parties have joined a growing list of organizations looking for federal support during the pandemic.
Spokespeople for the Conservative Party of Canada, the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party told CBC News that they all have applied to the Canada emergency wage subsidy program to help them cover their employees’ salaries as political donations dry up.
The Liberal and Conservative parties say they’re receiving the subsidy already, while the NDP submitted its paperwork today. The Bloc Québécois tells Radio-Canada it will not be applying for the subsidy.
The Liberals employ about 100 people outside of an election. The Conservatives have roughly 60 full-time and part-time employees.
Since mid-March, most these party staffers have been working remotely from home, which can add to costs.
“We’re doing our best to adjust to this new reality. This has meant incurring unexpected expenses that ensure our staff have the ability and technology to work remotely for an exte