Guide for Third Party Advertisers for Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections
What is a third-party advertisement?
A third-party advertisement refers to an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate in the election, or, a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot.
Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for such advertisements must register as a third-party advertiser with the Clerk before they can begin advertising. Registration to be a third-party advertiser for the 2022 Municipal Elections will begin at 8:30 am on Monday, May 2, 2022 and end at 4:30 pm on Friday, October 21, 2022. Additional information regarding the registration process and requirements will be available in early 2022.
Who can register as a third-party advertiser?
Only the following persons and entities are eligible to file a notice of registration:
- An individual who is normally a resident in Ontario.
- A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
- A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.
Who cannot register as a third-party advertiser?
Persons and entities that are not eligible to file a notice of registration include:
- A candidate whose nomination has been filed under Section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act.
- A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.
- A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.
- The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.