An Edmonton-area candidate running in the federal election is looking for a sure-fire way to raise campaign funds.

Cory Lystang is running in the Yellowhead riding west of Edmonton. (Facebook) Cory Lystang, a candidate for the Libertarian Party of Canada in the Yellowhead riding west of Edmonton, is raffling off an AR-15 semi-automatic carbine.

"I accept the idea that not everybody's going to accept the fact that I'm giving away a firearm," he said.

"But it also brings up a great opportunity to have the conversation that it's not the firearm that's hurting anyone, it's the wrong people that have them."

The AR 15, which is restricted in Canada, may look like an automatic weapon but it was originally sold as a hunting firearm, Lystang said.

The gun was later adapted by the U.S. military into the fully automatic M16, he said.

"That is what everybody sees as a machine gun."

The carbine was restricted because it resembles the M16 closely, so it cannot be used for hunting in Canada, Lystang said.

The firearm, valued at $1,200, was offered to his campaign as a way to raise money.

For a $20 donation, the donor gets one chance to win the high-powered firearm. Participants over the age of 18 who can legally own a gun are eligible to participate, Lystang said.

So far, the raffle has raised a little over $2,000.

"The major parties are still getting taxpayers dollars," Lystang said. "I'm trying to raise anything I can to get some (election) signs out there.

"It's working OK. It's not a major, huge amount of money."

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission said it is looking into the giveaway to ensure provincial regulations are being followed.

Elections Canada says there are rules about contribution limits but nothing about raffling a firearm to raise funds.