New Elections Canada figures show the federal Liberals are trailing the Conservatives two to one in party donations.

The Conservative Party of Canada raised $18.6 million in 2006 — slightly more than twice what the Liberals brought in, $9.1 million.

The disparity indicates the ongoing challenge facing the Liberal party as it tries to adapt to tougher, new fundraising rules.

The Conservatives have a long tradition of small individual donations, whereas the Liberals have relied largely over the years on large corporate contributions.

In 2006, the Conservatives had 108,000 donors, more than four times the number of Liberal donors.

Figures also show that the Conservative party is successfully convincing many of its members to sign up for automatic monthly donations in small amounts of $20 and $25.

That technique is also being used by the NDP, which raised nearly $4,000 from 25,000 donors in the same time period.

Liberal party officials have blamed their poor record in 2006 partly on the party's leadership convention. They say many supporters donated to leadership candidates last year and, as a result, didn't give to the party at the same time.