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Alberta’s NDP started 2017 in the lead financially, raising more cash than its rivals in the first three months of the year.

Financial reports for the first quarter posted on the Elections Alberta website showed the NDP — which formed government in 2015 — took in $373,060.

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The Opposition Wildrose party raised $281,606, though when constituency associations are added in, Wildrose’s total rises to $345,125.

The Progressive Conservatives brought in $216,884 — increasing to $226,572 with the inclusion of constituency associations.

This year will be the first full year under new party financial rules brought in by the NDP government that limit the total amount an individual can donate provincially — encompassing parties, constituency associations, candidates and leadership contestants — to $4,000.

NDP provincial secretary Roari Richardson said parties are still getting a feel for the new restrictions and will have to ensure that donors don’t exceed the cap while still maximizing contributions.