A push to ban corporate and union donations in Saskatoon elections has failed.

Councillors voted against two separate motions to ban the donations, as well as to approach the provincial government to receive the power to make the changes.

Councillor Randy Donauer argued that businesses have the right to participate in a democracy.

"Really what we're asking is for taxation without representation," said Donauer. "If we don't let them participate in any way in the electoral process, why are they paying taxes?"

The road to campaign finance reform in Saskatoon has been complicated. In 2015, councillors voted against a similar motion.

Councillor Darren Hill wanted clarification as to why the idea was being resurrected after previously failing.

"There was nothing offered any different than what we were presented last time when we discussed this," he said. "It hasn't changed my mind."

The recommendation came from the city's Municipal Review Commission, a group designed to give council advice on elections and other city business.

In part, the commission said it was in favour of banning the donations as a means to create a more-level playing field between incumbent and new councillors.

As well, Councillor Zach Jeffries noted that the federal government had previously brought in similar restrictions.

"I'm just simply not persuaded that preventing corporations and labour unions from contributing is somehow not giving them a voice," he said.

"We don't allow corporations and labour unions to donate federally."

A motion to extend the term for the election returning officer, as well as adding a permanent employee that works on elections in the city clerk's office was deferred until next month.

According to a report from the Municipal Review Commission, almost one-third of the total money raised by the campaigns of elected candidates came from corporate and union donations of more than $100, totalling $360,226.