The ban is part of Bill C-25, the “Strong and Free Elections Act.”
The Canadian government introduced the bill in Parliament. It proposes a complete ban on using cryptocurrencies in the political sphere.
The legislation also covers money orders and prepaid cards as low-transparency tools. The initiative aims to tighten oversight of election financing and reduce foreign interference risks.
Key Provisions of Bill C-25
The bill prohibits accepting crypto donations for all political participants:
- Registered parties
- Electoral district associations
- Candidates
- Third parties engaged in election advertising
In case of a violation, recipients have 30 days to return the funds, destroy them, or transfer them to the government treasury. Violators face administrative fines equal to double the amount of the improper contribution. Corporations face an additional fine of up to 100,000 CAD.
This marks the second attempt to introduce such a ban. The previous bill, C-65, failed after Parliament dissolved in January 2025. The current bill is at the first reading stage in the House of Commons. It must pass several debate stages and receive Senate approval.
What Comes Next
If passed, crypto donations will become completely inadmissible at the federal level. This will strengthen election financing transparency requirements. It will also bring Canadian rules closer to the UK approach, which recently introduced similar restrictions on crypto contributions.
Unlike the United States, where such donations are permitted, Canada is choosing a stricter stance. A final decision is expected during the spring parliamentary session. If approved, the new rules will take effect after the law’s publication.
