Third Party Advertising
Since the 2018 Municipal Election there is now a requirement for all Third Party Advertisers to register with the Municipal Clerk. Please review the information below and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Guide to Third Party Advertisers.
Definition
A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. Advertisement includes traditional ads as well as materials such as brochures or signs. This does not include advertisements by or under the direction of a candidate.
All individuals, corporations and trade unions must register before incurring any expense related to third party advertisements. October 23, 2026 is last day to register.
Exclusions from Third Party Advertising
Activities that do not involve spending money, such as discussions or expressing an opinion about a candidate are not considered to be third party advertising. Examples include:
- speaking to friends and neighbours;
- posting on social media, such as Twitter, Facebook or Instagram;
- sending an email to a group or mailing list
Internal communications from an employer to their employees, a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees or by a trade union to its members or employees are not considered to be third party advertising.
Advertising about an issue, rather than a candidate is not considered third party advertising. For example, signs saying “Support local businesses” or “Keep the waterfront green” would not be third party advertising, even if a candidate has made those issues part of their campaign.
Becoming a Third Party Advertiser
Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for advertisements related to the promotion, support or opposition of a candidate in any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium must register as a third party advertiser. They can begin filing their Notice of Registration on Friday, May 1, 2026, by appointment only. The last day to register as a Third Party Advertiser is Friday, October 23, 2026.
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Who is Eligible? Only the following persons and entities are eligible to file a notice of registration:
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Who is Ineligible? Persons and entities that are not eligible to file a notice of registration include:
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