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In practice, of course, it depends on the association in question, with some acting as little more than a post office box, with a pro forma executive board but no signs of any activities outside the administrative obligations imposed by Elections Canada.

Others, however, rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars — which the EDA is free to share with less fortunate riding associations, as well as bankroll future candidates, thus creating a potential powerbroker on the financial front.

First, though, an important caveat:

Unless otherwise noted, all rankings are based on data provided to Elections Canada by the riding associations as part of their annual reporting requirements.

Although the deadline for filing returns was June 30, 2015, some reports — including those of the riding associations for three of the four major party leaders — are still outstanding, and could — in theory — result in minor changes to the final version of these lists.

Where applicable — and taking into account the new riding boundaries — I’ve also included the name of the local MP, but given the addition of 30 new districts to the map, it’s not always possible.

With those cautions duly delivered, let’s get to the raw numbers — starting with the biggest single fundraising haul of the year — which, as it turned out, went to a riding that technically didn’t even exist before the 2012 redistribution: the Brampton North Conservative Association, which pulled in an impressive $180,975.