Third Party Advertisers
On this page:
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.