March 31, 2006

VANCOUVER – Individuals made up a full eighty-two percent of the contributors to the BC Liberal Party in 2005, BC Liberal Executive Director Kelly Reichert said today.

"Our numbers speak for themselves," said Reichert.  "We are receiving contributions from individuals almost six to one versus all other donor categories combined, a five percent increase from 2004."

Today is the deadline for all registered political parties to file their annual financing reports with Elections BC.  In the spirit of openness and accountability, the BC Liberal Party is today releasing summaries of political contributors.

"Individuals are the life-blood of our party," said Reichert.  "They're the ones who are making a difference by not only donating their money but their time as well."

Small businesses were also big supporters of the BC Liberal Party in 2005, with almost two-thirds of all corporate classification donations being $1000 or less.

"Small business has a long-standing record of supporting the BC Liberal Party," said Reichert.  "The strong economic foundation created by the BC Liberal government resonates well with small business owners and they certainly want to see that progress continue."

The BC Liberals raised $7.8 million at the party level in 2005, with a further $5.3 million raised by the 79 local constituency associations.

Full versions of the election financing reports will be available for public inspection at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and on Election BC's web site on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at 9 a.m.

Click here to view "Summary of Contributions (Total)"

Click here to view "Political Contributions by Class (Greater than $250)"