Liberals fundraise $3.5M in first quarter of 2021, says others pushed for election

The Liberal Party of Canada says it fundraised around $3.5 million during the first three months of the second year dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A party spokesperson says the Liberal government is focused on fighting the virus, ``while other parties have pushed for an election.''

Because the Liberals hold a minority of seats in the House of Commons an election could happen anytime, and federal parties have started to prepare.

The Liberals report more than 33,600 people donated around $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2021.

It also says it set a new record for the number of grassroots monthly donors, with 98 per cent of its donations being less and $200 and the median amount given being around $10.

The Conservatives say they raked in a record $8.47 million from around 45,000 donors over the first three months of the year.