Third Party Advertisers

If a person, corporation or trade union intends to spend money between May 2, 2022 and election day, on advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate in the Municipal Election, or a question on the ballot, they are required to register as a Third Party Advertiser with the Clerk-Treasurer.  Find out how to register as third party advertiser and the rules you must follow under the Municipal Elections Act in the Third Party Advertisers Guide.

The registration period for a Third Party Advertiser for the next Municipal Election will be May 2 to October 21, 2022.

RULES FOR THIRD PARTY ADVERTISING

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996  sets out rules for third party advertising:

• A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a candidate in the election, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot.
• Individuals, corporations and trade unions who wish to conduct third party advertising in the Township of O’Connor Municipal Election must be registered with the Clerk-Treasurer.
  • A third party advertiser cannot spend money on their campaign, accept contributions or begin advertising until their registration is certified by the Clerk-Treasurer.
  • Advertisements must identify the name of the registered third party advertiser, the municipality where they are registered and contact information.
• Candidates cannot register as a third party advertiser and cannot direct a third party advertiser.

ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:

• 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

You are not eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:

• a candidate whose nomination has been filed under section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act , 1996
• 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
• a group, association or business that is not a corporation
• a registered third party advertiser who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded any of the spending limits in the last municipal election or by-election

HOW TO REGISTER

In the next general election, registration to become a third party advertiser will open May 2, and close on October 21, 2022. Third party advertisers must be registered in each municipality where they want to advertise.

Those interested in becoming a third party advertiser must file a Notice of Registration in person or by an agent. This Notice of Registration must be certified by the Clerk-Treasurer before any money can be raised or spent on advertising. There is no fee required to register as a third party advertiser.

At the time of filing, the following documentation must be provided:

Filing as an individual registrant:

• Completed Notice of Registration form
• Acceptable identification showing your name, address with your Ontario residence and signature

Filing as an agent on behalf of an individual registrant:

• Completed Notice of Registration form
• A copy of the individual registrant’s acceptable identification
• Acceptable identification showing your name and signature

Filing as the official representative of a corporation or trade union registrant:

• Completed Notice of Registration form
• A board resolution from the corporation or trade union authorizing you to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union
• Acceptable identification with your name and signature