Key Highlights
Canada introduced Bill C-25, the Strong and Free Elections Act, on March 26, 2026.
The bill would ban political entities and third parties from accepting contributions in the form of cryptoassets, money orders, or prepaid payment products.
Violations can trigger administrative penalties tied to twice the amount involved, plus up to C$100,000 for corporations or entities.
Canada’s federal government introduced legislation on March 26 that would ban crypto donations across the electoral system, extending the restriction to registered parties, candidates, nomination and leadership contestants, and third parties involved in election advertising. The measure is part of Bill C-25, the Strong and Free Elections Act, which is now at first reading.
The bill does not single out bitcoin by name. Instead, it prohibits contributions made in the form of a cryptoasset, defined as a digital asset protected by cryptographic measures. The same provisions also cover money orders and prepaid payment products. If such a contribution is received, the recipient must act within 30 days of becoming aware of it, including, where possible, returning it unused.
The bill sets out administrative monetary penalties equal to twice the amount involved in the contravention, plus up to C$25,000 for individuals and C$100,000 for corporations or other entities in the relevant sections.
The proposal revives part of Ottawa’s earlier election-reform push. Elections Canada’s 2024 briefing materials noted that Bill C-65 had already been introduced as a prior reform package before that effort stalled.
The move also comes as other democracies tighten political finance rules around digital assets. In the UK, the government announced a crypto-donation block in March 2026 as part of wider reforms aimed at reducing the risk of foreign interference. In the United States, by contrast, the FEC has allowed bitcoin contributions since its 2014 advisory opinion.
