John Hogan tripled John Abbott in leadership campaign donations, documents show

Financial disclosures submitted to Newfoundland and Labrador's Liberal Party show Premier John Hogan received close to three times the amount of money his opponent, John Abbott, brought in during the leadership campaign — including large-scale donations from groups that benefit from government contracts.

The two candidates who were vying to become Newfoundland and Labrador's next premier were obligated to share their list of donors and campaign spending for the first time this year. They were also limited by a spending cap of $200,000.

Both Hogan and Abbott shared their statements with Radio-Canada. Those documents show Hogan raised $261,145 and Abbott raised $89,163.

They also show Hogan received more large donations than Abbott.

While North Atlantic gave both men $15,000, Hogan also received $15,000 from hydrogen project developer Fermuse Energy and $15,000 from Marco Group Ltd. — a construction firm tied to several government building projects that has donated to previous Liberal campaigns, including former premier Andrew Furey's.

He also received $15,000 from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, and $20,000 from a numbered company owned by former St. John's lawyer David McKay.

By comparison, the next two highest donations Abbott received were $5,000 each.

Asked by Radio-Canada if donations from companies that benefit from government contracts or subsidies presents an issue, Hogan said donations are a necessary part of a campaign and it won't affect his commitments.

"Democracy does come at a fiscal price, and it's important that all political parties have the ability to fund campaigns to make sure that their message gets out to the public, so the public can make [an] informed choice," Hogan said.

"I'm happy to meet with anyone and everyone who wants to talk to me as minister before, or as premier now, about issues that are important to Newfoundland and Labrador, regardless of whether a donation has been made or not."

Given the $200,000 spending limit, Hogan told reporters Wednesday he gave his surplus of donations to the Liberal Party to spend on future election work.

"It was donated to a Liberal candidate, and will go to Liberal candidates in the future," he said.

Abbott spent $99,298 on his campaign, and told Radio-Canada the additional $10,135 came from his own money.

Hogan didn't detail his campaign spending, but Liberal Party vice-president Judy Morrow told Radio-Canada it fell under the $200,000 cap.

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