Donating to a Candidate’s Campaign

Candidates can opt-in to the City's contribution rebate program during their campaign period.

2025 Markham Ward 7 By-Election

• Killi Chelliah

• Donors can receive one 75% rebate to a maximum of $150 
• Each rebate is based on the sum total of all eligible donations made to one or more candidates who are participating in the same election
• Up to $1,200 can be donated to a single candidate
• Up to $5,000 total can be donated to multiple candidates 
• Apply for your rebate by the deadline using the information on your contribution receipt provided by the candidate you donated to
• If someone donates more than $100, the law requires that their name and address is reported in the candidate's post-election financial statement and published on electionsmarkham.ca
• Rebates are issued 120 days after the application deadline
• Rebates are issued if the participating candidate files a complete and accurate post-election financial statement, as required by law

The contribution rebate program is guided by both provincial and municipal law. After every municipal election, Elections Markham reviews all campaign donations for consistency with the law. If someone appears to have exceeded their personal donation limit, those donations are reported to the City of Markham's Election Finance Compliance Audit Committee for investigation.

Rebate cheques are issued after the following have occurred:

• All candidates have filed their post-election financial statement(s) and supporting documents (by the appropriate due dates)
• The rebate application deadline has passed
• The City's Election Finance Compliance Audit Committee has reviewed any potential campaign finance infractions

Note: If a candidate or donor is involved in a campaign finance investigation, any associated donations will not be eligible for a rebate until the investigation is complete.

Donors will receive their rebates about 120 days after the application deadline passes, which ensures that the contribution rebate program is conducted with integrity and supports a fair and transparent election.

Who is eligible for a rebate?

Markham voters and Permanent Residents of Canada residing in Markham are eligible for a rebate if they donate $50 or more to a Markham City Council candidate in during an official election campaign period.

A Markham voter is:

• At least 18 years old
• A Canadian citizen
• A Markham resident, landowner, or tenant (or their spouse); and, 
• Registered to vote
  
  

What types of donations are not eligible for a rebate?

The following donations are not eligible for a rebate:

• Donations under $50
• Donations from people who are not Markham voters or Permanent Residents of Canada residing in Markham
• Donations of goods and services
• Donations to school board trustee candidates and third party advertisers
• The cost of admission to a candidate’s fundraising event
  
  

Is my donation eligible for an income or property tax credit?

No. Donations made to candidates who are participating in the City's contribution rebate program are not eligible for income or property tax credits. Rebates are issued by the City as a direct payment to the person who made the donation.

Am I eligible for a rebate if the candidate I donated to is not on the list of participating candidates?

No. If a candidate is not participating in the contribution rebate program, you can’t receive a rebate for your donation.