HALIFAX — A delayed campaign finance reform bill in Nova Scotia will continue through the legislative process next week despite a series of objections from the New Democrats.

A Conservative-Liberal alliance on the all-party law amendments committee today voted down four NDP amendments aimed at further stalling the bill. The legislation would cap donations to political parties from companies and unions to $5,000 per contribution.

The New Democrats say the reform benefits the governing Tories because they get the majority of large donations.

They are after a total ban and delayed proceedings during the fall sitting for two days before the bill passed second reading.

Hearings on Bill 117 will begin Dec. 14 and the committee has heard so far from four members of the public who are interested in testifying.

The hearings will lead up to an unusual winter session of the legislature, set to begin Jan. 8.

Premier Rodney MacDonald has said the intent is to pass the bill before the spring sitting because it is "too important to wait on.''