The New Democrats held a media briefing this morning at the site of the future acute health care facility at Kenmount Crossing in St. John’s.

It was an effort to demonstrate how accepting corporate donations can give companies and individuals unfair access and preferential treatment from government.

The NDP is calling for an end to corporate and union donations for all parties, and caps for individuals.

The Crown land at Kenmount Crossing was sold for a song in 2016 and then bought back by government years later for millions more.

NDP Leader Jim Dinn says it’s just one example of how those with money and connections have distinct advantages over those less fortunate when it comes to influence with government.

“It’s very clear that he who pays the piper calls the tune, and it’s about access,” says Dinn. “Who is going to get access to a cabinet minister, to the premier? Is it going to be the person who is facing homelessness, or is it the donor who has just spent $50,000 on the campaign? That’s what transparency and accountability is all about.”

Dinn said while the NDP has benefited from union donations over the years, it’s been a democratic process and has led to social improvements.

He says the majority of its donations today come from individuals.