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A third party advertiser is an advertisement in any medium (billboard, newspaper, radio, etc.) that has the purpose of promoting, supporting, or opposing a candidate. Being registered in a municipality allows the third party advertiser to advertise to the voters in that municipality. It does not include:
- An advertisement by or under the direction of a candidate
- An advertisement described in the Municipal Election Act subsection (2) or (2.1)
- Issues-based advertising (groups that do public outreach can continue their issues-based advocacy work throughout the municipal election period)
- Any activities that do not involve spending money such as expressing an opinion on social media, sending an email to a mailing list, and, speaking to neighbours are not considered to be third party advertisements
Registration Process |
Registration Deadlines:
For more information about registering as a third party, go to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs' Third Party Advertiser Guide. |
Registration Requirements |
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Required Forms |
Withdrawing Your Registration |
If you want to end your advertising campaign before voting day, you can withdraw your
registration by notifying the clerk in writing. The deadline to withdraw your registration is the Friday before voting day (October 21st before 4:30 p.m.)
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Spending Limits |
Third Party Advertisers will be subject to two spending limits:
Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, Third Party Advertiser's will be subject to a spending limit that varies by the number of electors in the municipality in which the Third Party Advertiser is registered. The formula used for calculating third party spending limits is: $5,000 plus $0.05 per elector, to a maximum of $25,000. The proposed formula consists of a base amount plus a per elector amount to a predetermined maximum. The Act also provides that the spending limit for parties and other expressions of appreciation after voting day be set at 10% of the general spending limit. This would be consistent with the spending limit already in place for candidates. |
Campaign Period ("restricted period") |
The "restricted period for third party advertisers" begins May 2, 2022, the earliest day that an individual, corporation or trade union can file a notice of registration as a registered third party for the municipal election. The restricted period ends at the close of voting on October 24, 2022. Third Party Advertisers can begin an advertising campaign after registering with the Clerk. Registered Third Party Advertisers are advised that the By Law No. 2952-18 is applicable to signs posted by registered Third Party Advertisers. Third Party Advertisers must provide the following information on their advertisements:
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Campaign Spending Limits |
Third Party Advertisers are subject to these spending limits:
Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, Third Party Advertiser's will be subject to a spending limit that varies by the number of electors in the municipality in which the Third Party Advertiser is registered. The formula used for calculating third party spending limits is: $5,000 plus $0.05 per elector, to a maximum of $25,000. The proposed formula consists of a base amount plus a per elector amount to a predetermined maximum. The Act also provides that the spending limit for parties and other expressions of appreciation after voting day be set at 10% of the general spending limit. This would be consistent with the spending limit already in place for candidates. Registered Third Parties can accept contributions from any person who is a resident of Ontario, corporations carrying on business in Ontario and trade unions that hold bargaining rights for employees in Ontario. The spouse of a registered Third Party Advertiser can also make contribution to the advertising campaign, even if they are not a resident in Ontario. Groups such as clubs, associations, or ratepayer’s groups cannot make contributions. Individual members of these groups are eligible to contribute from their personal funds so long as they are residents of Ontario. Contributions are limited to a maximum of $1,200 to a single Third Party Advertiser and a maximum of $5,000 to or more Third Party Advertisers registered in the Township. |
Responsibilities of Broadcasters or Publishers of Third Party Advertisements |
In accordance with section 88.5(4) of the Act, the broadcaster or publisher of a third party advertisement shall maintain records containing the following information for a period of four years after the date the advertisement appears and shall permit the public to inspect the records during normal business hours:
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