Edmonton Candidates Clash Over Third-Party Election Ads

The race for the mayoralty in Edmonton has intensified as candidates grapple with the influence of third-party groups on the municipal election. Tensions flared on social media between former councillors Michael Walters and Andrew Knack following the launch of attack ads by opposing political factions. The left-leaning group Working Families Edmonton has been active in producing anti-Walters content, while the conservative organization Edmonton Forward has initiated campaigns against Knack.

This marked a noticeable shift in what had been a relatively cordial campaign. The exchange began when Knack responded to an online fundraising effort by Edmonton Forward, which aims to raise funds for ads targeting him. The group claims that each $50 donation can potentially expose 2,730 voters to these negative advertisements. In a bid to counter what he termed “misleading attacks,” Knack expressed his desire to confront these tactics, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Walters on social media.

Walters criticized Knack’s stance, pointing out the seeming contradiction in his demands for transparency while benefiting from third-party advertisements. He stated, “Knack has demanded transparency from others, yet accepts help from a third-party advertiser running multiple attack ads against his opponents.” This hypocrisy, according to Walters, undermines voter trust and could lead to increased apathy among constituents.

Knack defended himself, reiterating that he does not endorse the involvement of third-party groups in elections. He claimed that while he might have an idea of who is behind Edmonton Forward, the organization lacks transparency regarding its contributors. “We’ve operated in a world before there were third-party advertisers. Those who wish to have their say can choose to donate directly to a candidate,” Knack said.

Election regulations require candidates to disclose their campaign finances, including donors and contributions. However, third-party organizations, such as Working Families Edmonton, are not bound by the same rules, allowing them to endorse candidates and fund advertising campaigns without direct affiliation. This has raised concerns among candidates like Walters and Omar Mohammad, who have argued that Knack is benefiting from the group’s support.

Recent data from Meta indicates that Working Families Edmonton’s attack ads against Walters have garnered between 25,000 and 30,000 impressions, with a financial outlay of $1,000 to $1,500. In contrast, ads promoting Knack as the group’s preferred candidate for mayor have generated between 300,000 and 350,000 views, also with a similar budget. The organization has also launched campaigns supporting incumbents Erin Rutherford and Jo-Anne Wright, as well as candidates Rajah Maggay and Funke Olokude in their respective wards.

Despite these endorsements, Knack has consistently maintained that he has no formal or informal ties to Working Families Edmonton and has called for reforms to address the influence of third-party groups in elections. Walters has pressed for Knack to officially distance himself from the group, highlighting the ongoing debate about campaign transparency.

The discussion around electoral integrity is complicated by the current rules governing campaign finance. Candidates are required to disclose their financials, but a significant loophole exists due to the reporting period ending on July 31, 2023. Donations received after this date are not publicly reported, leading to what some candidates refer to as “quiet money.” Knack has pledged to release his post-July 31 donor information and challenged his opponents to do the same.

“I don’t believe there’s any other mayoral candidate other than myself who has disclosed their donations ahead of advance voting,” Knack stated. He expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a lack of transparency among his rivals. In response, Walters insisted that his campaign complies with existing regulations and has released all necessary information.

The candidates’ discussions about third-party influence have revealed broader concerns regarding public trust in the electoral process. Rahim Jaffer, another candidate, acknowledged the complexity of navigating the influence of what he termed “dark money,” expressing the need for candidates to remain focused on issues that matter to Edmontonians.

While Jaffer has not been directly targeted by third-party campaigns, he emphasized the importance of transparency and the potential impact of such funding on candidate independence. Fellow candidate Tim Cartmell expressed his disapproval of third-party advertising but noted that the existing regulations are established at the provincial level, leaving municipal candidates with limited control over the matter.

As the election approaches, the candidates continue to navigate the intricate dynamics of campaign finance and the role of third-party groups. The outcome may hinge not only on their policies but also on their ability to engage voters amid growing concerns about transparency and trust in the electoral system.