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The NDP alleges that Shaping Alberta is going far beyond the intent of the province’s financing law and acting like a full-fledged political party, not merely an advertiser.

For one thing, it solicits money for a purpose that it says don’t require public disclosure.

The group has been increasingly active in recent days, with attack ads against the NDP on radio, TV, billboards, Facebook and other social media.

Shaping Alberta is getting rich fast. In three months since it was registered, it has raised a total of $375,000, including the auto industry funding.

These groups can collect as much as they like. Registered union and progressive advertisers work just as hard for left-wing money, but with far less success, judging by disclosures to Elections Alberta.

Starting Dec. 1 the advertisers can only spend $150,000 until the election writ is dropped next spring. During the 28-day campaign, they can burn off another $150,000.

But until Dec. 1, there’s no limit. Shaping Alberta’s Future appears to be sluicing out the dollars before the cap is imposed, hoping to set the election tone early.

David Wasyluk, the executive director of Shaping Alberta, says he’s delighted with the cash gusher being donated to beat the NDP.

Behind all this lies Kenney’s private dealings with the motor dealers. Details have come out in newsletters and letters sent to dealerships.

In April, after speaking to Kenney on the phone, MDA president Denis Ducharme sent out a newsletter criticizing NDP laws that increase fees for the industry, as well as government control.