About

Manitoba's new Election Financing Act (http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/e027e.php#78) requires the provincial government to appoint an Allowance Commissioner, who must decide on the amount of public funding paid to registered political parties, and how and when the allowances will be paid.

The commissioner is appointed within six months after each general election, and only after consultation with the leaders of registered parties.

On November 15, 2012, Dr. Paul G. Thomas was appointed as Manitoba's first Allowance Commissioner. He is a Professor Emeritus in Political Studies and former Duff Roblin Professor of Government at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Thomas has three months to complete a report and file it with the Speaker of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. Shortly thereafter, he must make regulations to implement his decisions. The regulations made by Dr. Thomas will come into force on January 1, 2012.