Canada Seeks to Ban Cryptocurrency Donations in Federal Elections

Elections Canada has treated cryptocurrency as a non-monetary contribution since 2019. The Chief Electoral Officer recommended tighter regulation in 2022 and called for a complete ban in November 2024, citing the difficulty of verifying donor identities and foreign funding because of crypto’s pseudonymous nature. The same provisions were included in Bill C-65, but the measure died when Parliament was prorogued in January 2025.

The Canadian government introduced Bill C-25 on March 26, 2026. It was referred to committee after its second reading in the House of Commons on April 24 and received royal assent on June 18, taking effect that day. Political parties, candidates and third parties may not accept crypto assets, money orders or prepaid cards. Prohibited contributions must be returned, destroyed or converted into cash and remitted to Elections Canada, while third-party contributions exceeding C$200 remain subject to disclosure requirements.