Despite suggestions to the contrary, one of the city’s most controversial donors is sitting out the Kamloops municipal election.
KGHM Ajax, the company behind the copper and gold mine proposed sound of Aberdeen, is “taking the neutral approach” to the campaign, said external-affairs manager Yves Lacasse.
“It’s not our position as a company to fund or support any municipal campaigns,” Lacasse said.
While the company has donated to many of the city’s arts, recreational and nonprofit campaigns over the past few years, the contribution guidelines listed on its website specifically rule out donations to “Political Parties or Platforms,” along with events or campaigns “that discriminate in any way” and direct donations to religious organizations.
Earlier this month, council candidate Peter Kerek called on his running mates to disclose if they were recieving donations from the mine proponents.
“They [KGHM] have been throwing money at all sorts of charities to win folks over or at least buy their silence,” Kerek wrote in a press release on his Facebook page.
“This would be a much healthier democracy if we all knew which candidates they’re funding before we go to the ballots, not after.”
Candidates must disclose all campaign donors within 90 days following the Nov. 15 election. While anonymous contributions are allowed, they must be less than $50.
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