Legislation to ban corporate and union donations for municipal political campaigns was given royal assent on Thursday (Nov. 30). It will take effect for 2018.

B次元官网网址淚t was an amazingly fast turnaround for the province,B次元官网网址� said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen. B次元官网网址淲e made that request in September and in October they were already preparing legislation. I certainly commend the government for that. It was lightning speed.B次元官网网址�

The legislation originated from Oak Bay. A motion was brought forward at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference by Oak Bay councillor Kevin Murdoch, after learning that similar legislation was in the works for provincial campaigns. Andrew Weaver, provincial Green Party leader and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, spoke in support of MurdochB次元官网网址檚 motion. The first day it was introduced the motion failed; however, with the help of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, it was brought back for reconsideration and passed with a majority.

Murdoch credits Minister Selena Robinson for stepping up and making it a top priority and getting the staff to draft the legislation.

B次元官网网址淚t really is a no-brainer,B次元官网网址� said Jensen. B次元官网网址淚f one person who has deep pockets can change the course of an election, thatB次元官网网址檚 not something that is tolerable in a free and democratic society.B次元官网网址�

The legislation also puts a cap of $1,200 on individual donations, while allowing self-funded campaigns to double that to $2,400.

keri.coles@oakbaynews.com