Federal laws in both Canada and the U.S. generally place limits on a company's ability to participate in the political process. As such, Enbridge does not contribute corporate funds directly to federal political candidates, committees or parties in either jurisdiction. However, on a limited basis, we may use corporate funds in the U.S. to make contributions to 527 organizations (an organization with a 527 designation from the Internal Revenue Service confers eligibility for tax exemption).
States and provinces where Enbridge does business have different regulations governing political contributions in state, provincial and local elections. Enbridge participates in the political process in accordance with all state, provincial and local laws, and any and all corporate contributions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Our political contribution decisions are guided by what is in the best interest of the company, our employees and our shareholders. All proposed contributions that Enbridge makes must be reviewed and approved by the Business Unit executive responsible for public affairs and communications, business unit president, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors. Enbridge’s senior leader responsible for external affairs in Canada and/or the U.S. reviews all contributions and ensures accountability to the Enbridge Inc. Political Contributions Policy. A record of all approved contributions is maintained by Enbridge’s Public Affairs and Communications department. For more information, please see the Enbridge Inc. Political Contributions Policy.
In 2017, Enbridge’s total corporate political contributions in Canada were CAD$7,525 and in the U.S. were US$16,250. In the U.S., through the Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. Political Action Committee (Enbridge-DCP PAC), eligible employees contributed US$239,100 to candidates, campaigns and committees at the state and federal levels. All of our U.S. contributions are disclosed consistent with federal and state laws and regulations and are available on the website of the Federal Election Commission and the websites of election boards in certain states where the PAC makes contributions.
We participate with governments in the political process to help inform the development of public policies or regulatory processes that are important to our specific projects and business objectives. For example, in 2017, the Government of Canada announced a series of reviews of federal policy and regulations involved in the approval of major energy projects. We provided input both as an individual company and as a member of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association.
As required by law, we file lobbying reports on a regular basis with the Canadian government, the U.S. Congress, and state, provincial and municipal agencies, disclosing information about lobbying activities, including the issues lobbied and agencies contacted.
Our primary purpose in joining trade and industry associations is to help share our experience and expertise to inform the development of public policy and regulatory processes. We benefit from, and contribute to, the general business, technical and industry standard-setting expertise that these associations provide. Safety and operational reliability, together, remain our number one priority, and therefore we invest significant time and efforts around safety- and reliability-related issues. We are also committed to supporting the development of responsible public policy in the pipeline industry, and we work with the various trade and industry associations to which we belong on a variety of public policy issues that may impact our business. In doing so, we express our own corporate objectives when policy priorities are established, and we do not always agree with all positions taken by these associations. Each year, we consider our membership in these associations as part of our annual strategic planning and budgeting process.
In 2017, we contributed $50,000 or more in membership dues to the following organizations in Canada. Please note that we have only listed our executive level involvement in these organizations, we are also have active participation in various committees associated with these trade associations.