$785,000

CASH FOR THE FRINGE In 2016 and 2017, Canadians donated almost $785,000 to federal parties that have yet to secure seats in parliament. In first place, with $372,000 from 570 donors, was the 30-year-old Christian Heritage Party of Canada, which advocates for “Biblical perspectives.” In second: the Animal Protection Party of Canada — the “only true multi-issue party, because we are inclusive of all species” — raised a bit over $190,000 from 407 people. Next come the Marxist-Leninists and Communists, with more than $163,000 combined from nearly 200 donors, followed by the Libertarians with $40,000 from 84 donors. Rounding out the list: the Marijuana Party (existentially threatened, we assume) with $6,875; the Progressive Canadian Party, led by a former Progressive Conservative trade minister, at $3,500; the National Advancement Party of Canada, an anti-globalization party founded in 2014, at $2,280; and the Rhinoceros Party of Canada. That last one, which raised $2,550, promises policies such as Senate appointments by lottery, privatizing the Queen, and a tongue-incheek black market tax.