Big Money Returns: UCP and the Corporate Donation Surge

Alberta's political landscape just got a major financial shake-up. The United Conservative Party (UCP) recently reinstated limits on corporate donations, and the money is already pouring in. The party raked in a massive $471,000 in corporate contributions in just three months, a move reported on November 4, 2025.

This isn't just pocket change. It means over a quarter of all UCP donations in the latest period came from businesses like injury lawyers and car dealerships. For perspective, this influx alone surpassed the $437,000 fundraising gap between the UCP and the NDP in that same third quarter. The former NDP government had banned corporate and union donations in 2015, only for the UCP to bring them back this July.

For Calgarians, this financial shift could directly impact local policies. Our city council recently approved its 2025 budget, focusing on critical areas like infrastructure, housing, and transit. Provincial funding often plays a crucial role in these initiatives. We'll be watching closely to see how this significant boost for the UCP shapes decisions affecting our daily lives and Calgary’s future.