Canada Moves to Bar Cryptocurrency Donations in Politics

Canada has introduced legislation that would prohibit political campaigns from accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, framing digital assets as a "hard-to-trace" source of funds. The Strong and Free Elections Act (Bill C25), tabled on March 26, would apply across the political system, covering registered parties, candidates, campaign teams, and third-party advertisers. The proposal groups cryptocurrency assets with instruments such as drafts and prepaid payment tools. If the bill becomes law, any cryptocurrency donations received illegally would have to be returned or otherwise disposed of within 30 days. Penalties would include fines of up to twice the value of the violation, plus an additional penalty of up to $100,000. The bill is currently at first reading in Parliament. Canada has allowed crypto donations since 2019, though usage appears to have been limited, with no disclosed contributions reported in the 2021 or 2025 elections. Regulators have long argued that crypto's pseudonymous design could weaken election transparency, and the government's proposal would effectively end the practice. The move follows the UK's recent decision to suspend crypto political donations over concerns that foreign money could enter the system through digital assets. (CoinDesk)