Third Party Advertisers
A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a candidate. Third party advertising is separate from any candidate’s campaign, and must be done independently from a candidate.
For those interested in becoming Third Party Advertisers, please refer to the Government of Ontario's 2022 Guide for Third Party Advertisers.
During an election registrations for Third Party Advertisers must filed in person BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with the Clerk during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding Statutory holidays).
An advertisement in any medium that has the purpose of promoting or supporting or opposing a candidate(s) or a 'yes' or 'no' to a question on a ballot.
Does not include:
- An advertisement by and under the direction of a candidate;
- Where no expenses are incurred by the person/entity in relation to the advertisement;
- When given or transmitted by an individual to employees, by a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees or by a trade union to it's members or employees.
Advertising that does not cost money to post or to broadcast, such as comments made on social media, will not be considered to be third party advertising.
Individuals, corporations or trade unions are eligible to register as a Third Party Advertiser, provided that they have formally registered with the Clerk as a Third Party Advertiser.
Registrations must filed in person BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with the Clerk during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding Statutory holidays). Third party registrations will not be accepted after the deadline. Registration allows a Third Party Advertiser to promote or oppose any candidate that the electors in the municipality can vote for (Local Council, District Council, and School Board Trustee positions). There is no registration fee for third party advertising, but the Clerk must examine the registration and then certify the notice of registration if deemed compliant, or reject the registration.
The following are not permitted to register:
- Municipal election candidates;
- Federal and Provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants;
- The Crown in right of Ontario, a municipality or local board.
If third party advertisers want to advertise in more than one municipality, they will have to register in each municipality.
No individual, corporation or trade union is permitted to incur expenses for a third party advertisement that appears during the restricted period unless they are a registered third party. Restricted period is the date registration is filed and ends at the close of voting on Voting Day.
Contributions by corporations and trade unions to candidates are banned, however, corporations and trade unions can contribute to Third Party Advertisers. Money, goods and services are considered contributions.
The following are permitted to contribute:
- An individual who is normally a resident of Ontario;
- A corporation that carries on business in Ontario;
- A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario; and
- The registered third party and in the case of an individual, his or her spouse (subject to s.88.12(5)).
Contributions:
- Cannot be made or accepted unless registered as a third party
- Maximum contribution from a single contributor is $1,200 to a registered third party and $5,000 to two or more registered third parties in a municipality.
These contribution limits do not apply to the registered third party if the contribution is made by themselves and the same for an individual third party advertiser, along with their spouse.
Expenses:
- Subject to maximum expense limit (prescribed formula based on the number of electors entitled to vote);
- Required to record expenses and file a financial statement.
A fundraising function relating to third party advertisements that are to appear during an election cannot be held for an individual, corporation or trade union that is not registered as a third party in a municipality and cannot be held outside the campaign period.
Third Party Advertisements
No registered Third Party Advertiser shall cause a third party advertisement to appear during the restricted period unless the advertisement contains the following information:
- The name of the registered Third Party Advertiser; and
- The municipality where the Third Party Advertiser is registered; and
- A telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered Third Party Advertiser may be contacted regarding the advertisement.
Broadcaster
A registered Third Party Advertiser shall not cause a third party advertisement to appear during the restricted period unless they provide the following information to the broadcaster or publisher in writing:
- The name of the registered Third Party Advertiser; and
- The municipality where the Third Party Advertiser is registered; and
- A telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered Third Party Advertiser may be contacted regarding the advertisement.
The restricted period for third party advertisements in relation to an election in a municipality begins on the earliest day that an individual, corporation or trade union is permitted to register as a Third Party Advertiser in relation to the election, and ends at the close of voting on voting day.
Where there has been a contravention of the third party advertising requirements, the Clerk may direct and require a person who is reasonably believed to cause or permit the contravention, or the owner or occupier of the land on which the contravention occurred, to remove the advertisement or discontinue the advertisement.
Notice of Registration - Third Party (Prescribed Form 7)
Acknowledgement of Release of Personal Information
Estimated Maximum Spending Limits
Information for Financial Institutions
Notice to Registered Third Parties of Filing Requirements and Effect of Default
Financial Statement - Auditor's Report Third Party (Prescribed Form 8)
Financial Statement - Subsequent Expenses (Prescribed Form 5)
Notice of Extension of Campaign Period (Prescribed Form 6)