Third Party Advertisers

On this page:

1. What is third party advertising?
2. Who can be a registered third party?

What is third party advertising? 

A third party advertisement is a message in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing:

• A candidate, or 
• A "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot. 

Third party advertising does not include an advertisement: 

• Made by or under the direction of a candidate
• For which no expense is incurred 
• When it is transmitted by an individual to its employees, by a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees, or by a trade union to its members or employees

Third party advertising does not include issues-based advertising so groups that do public outreach can continue their issues-based advocacy work throughout the municipal election period. 

Third party advertisers must register with the municipality before conducting advertising. 

Who can be a registered third party? 

​​​Section 88.6 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 states:

Only the following persons and entities are eligible to file a notice of registration to be a third party advertiser:

• An individual who is normally resident in Ontario
• A corporation that carries on business in Ontario
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

The following persons and entities are not eligible to file a notice of registration:

• A nominated candidate
• 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

Registrations can be accepted by the Clerk or designate between the first day for filling nominations, Friday May 1, 2026, to Friday, October 23, 2026.