MLA Eric Foster outspent rival candidates by more than double

VERNON - There was big range in what Vernon-Monashee candidates spent on their election campaigns.

B.C. Liberal candidate Eric Foster — who won the election on May 9 with roughly 52 per cent of the vote — spent significantly more than his competitors. His expenses amounted to just over $75,000 — more than double the next highest spender, B.C. NDP candidate Barry Dorval, who spent roughly $32,300 on his campaign, according to financial documents filed with Elections B.C.

Keli Westgate with the B.C. Green Party spent just over $6,000 while Libertarian Don Jefcoat spent the least, just under $500.

The order of the most expensive campaign to the cheapest is the same as the order in which the candidates finished in the election.

Foster spent more than $20,000 on data processing and information technology, roughly $13,000 on media advertising and $1,300 on social functions and thank-you parties. He received $11,750 from individual donors, $11,300 from corporations, and nearly $73,000 from the B.C. Liberal Party. If you notice a discrepancy in his donations and what he spent, it’s because he didn’t use it all. There’s still over $21,000 in the campaign account.

Dorval spent most of his campaign cash on newsletters and promotional materials (about $4,800) followed by media advertising and office rent. His campaign was mostly funded by the B.C. NDP.

Westgates biggest expense was media advertising at just over $700. Her campaign was mostly funded by the B.C. Green Party, which shelled out just over $4,200, followed by about $1,800 in donations from individuals.

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