Canada Introduces Bill to Ban Crypto Election Donations

OTTAWA, Canada — The Canadian federal government introduced legislation on March 26, 2026, to prohibit cryptocurrency donations to political parties, candidates and third parties involved in elections, aiming to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process from untraceable funding.

Bill C-25, known as the Strong and Free Elections Act, proposes amendments to the Canada Elections Act that would bar contributions in the form of digital assets, money orders and prepaid payment products. These methods are seen as difficult to trace, potentially opening doors to anonymous or foreign influence. The ban would apply across the political spectrum, including registered parties, riding associations, candidates, leadership and nomination contestants, and third parties engaged in election advertising or surveys.

If enacted, political agents receiving prohibited contributions would have 30 days to return them to donors, destroy the assets or liquidate them into Canadian currency and remit the proceeds to the Chief Electoral Officer. The funds would then be forwarded to the Receiver General for Canada. Violations would carry penalties of up to twice the value of the contribution, plus...