As I said yesterday, all of these problems would go away if political parties were funded equally and party fundraising banned.     Should we go there?    Perhaps - the last thing Canadians should want is for our elections to become the 99% money game they are down south.    

Canada and Canadians would actually save money (or at least break even) if political parties were funded for elections and all donations banned.   The savings from the tax credits alone might pay for it, since donations up to $400 are credited 75%.    Yes, that's right - when somebody donates $400 (or less) the taxpayer ends up paying 75% of that (eg:  $300 of the $400 is subsidized by the taxpayer).      Tax credits FAR outpace was was spent on the per vote subsidy.

Of course, its naive to pretend that "cash for access" is the only problem.    Block Vote support for access can be just as damaging when it's done behind closed doors.