Len Isleifson, MLA for Brandon East, has introduced Bill 237, The Elections Amendment Act, requiring Leaders of political parties to disclose information on personal income taxes paid for a 20-year period.

The bill has received first reading and will be back in the legislature for second reading in early October.

“Manitobans have the right to know the financial status of those in leadership positions in our province,” said Isleifson. “This legislation will enhance transparency and accountability by requiring proactive disclosure of personal financial information for political party leaders.” This Bill amends The Elections Act to require the disclosure of income tax returns after having reached the age of majority under The Income Tax Act and the Income Tax Act (Canada) in each of the preceding 20 years.

“I look at the election process and prior to me even running for politics I helped out on campaigns and you’d hear comments, put out to the leadership why don’t you put out your income taxes. A lot of this is election hype and games in the election process and this Bill will eliminate that.”

A leader will be required to file with the chief electoral officer a statement disclosing their total income and the income taxes they paid, as well as tax notices they received. This information will be required to be made public by the chief electoral officer.