Bob Mackin
The Conservative Party of B.C. submitted $5,155,675.09 in expense claims to Elections BC after winning 44 seats in the Oct. 19 provincial election.
The party began the year with just two seats. Leader John Rustad ended 2024 as the year’s most-disruptive political force in the province.
Under the NDP-amended Election Act, parties that receive at least 5% of province-wide votes can be reimbursed for up to 50% of eligible expenses after an election. Candidates are also eligible for the same 50% reimbursement, if they receive at least 10% of votes in their riding.
The Conservatives reported $2,577,837.55 in election expense reimbursements in their filings, releaed Jan. 28 by Elections BC.
David Eby’s NDP reported $2,219.361.32 in reimbursements, a fraction of the $13.5 million overall campaign. The party needed a 22-vote judicial recount in Surrey-Guildford to stay in power with a majority.
Conservative Party of B.C. leader John Rustad (left0 and campaign manager Angelo Isidorou (X)
Highlights of aggregate payments from the Conservative Party of B.C.’s 2024 election expense claim:
$1,064,498.63: to Government Technologies Solutions, aka GTS Canada, a firm that offers election campaign services to“mobilize supporters, engage constituents to take action, and encourage donations with GTS’ powerful SMS/MMS technology.”
$625,603.84: to Yorkville Strategies, whose president is former BC Liberal pollster, strategist and lobbyist Dimitri Pantazopoulos.
$382,763.25: to Corus, parent of Global BC and CKNW.
$307,106.98: to event producer ProShow Audiovisual.
$273,100: to Bell Media, parent of CTV Vancouver.
$194,250: to the Mobilize Media Group digital campaign strategy and data collection firm. A federal Conservative contractor founded by Jeff Ballingall, who also founded the Canada Proud social media campaign
$168,183.19: to RMG MKT Direct Solutions Corp., Toronto-headquartered voter contact, fundraising and data agency.
$150,889.29: to Victoria law firm Crease Harman LLP.
$89,480.33: to Public Opinion Canada for research and advertising.
$79,800: to Angelo Isidorou, Conservative Party of B.C. campaign manager.
$70,602.39: to campaign strategist Troy Lanigan, the CEO of the SecondStreet.org thinktank and former head of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation.
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