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The provincial government is revisiting election finance rules once again, this time making a change aimed squarely at political parties hoping to work with one another.

The rule rejig under Bill 16, tabled Tuesday, will prevent parties from pooling their funds to break the $2-million spending limit during elections and byelections.

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It also increases fines for parties who exceed the limits — to $100,000 from $10,000 — and doubles the penalty for candidates, nomination contestants and chief financial officers to $10,000.

Policing the rules will fall to the newly created office of Alberta’s election commissioner.

Preventing collusion

The changes will apply to what Bill 16 calls “associated parties.”

Associated parties can share common leadership, political programs or policy statements, have similar advertising or branding, or may have non-compete or other agreements.

The commissioner will decide if parties are associated and whether penalties will apply. That office will have extensive investigation powers, including compelling parties to open their books, conducting interviews and taking court action if need be. Any Albertan will be able to register a complaint to the new office.