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.

Who Can Be a Third Party Advertiser

Only those who have registered can spend money on third party advertising.

The following are eligible to register as a third party advertiser:

• any person who is a resident in Ontario
• a corporation carrying on business in Ontario
• a trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

If 2 or more corporations are owned or controlled by the same person or people, or if 1 corporation controls another, they are considered to be a single corporation. If the same person or people own or control multiple corporations, only 1 of those corporations may register to be a third party in a municipality.

There is no restriction against family members of campaign staff of candidates registering to be third party advertisers. However, third party advertising must be done independently of the candidate. If a person with close ties to a candidate wishes to register they should consider how these activities may look to the public and how they would be able to demonstrate that they were not working in co-ordination with the candidate.

Who Cannot Be a Third Party Advertiser

The following are not eligible to register as a third party advertiser:

• A candidate running for any municipal council or school board office
• Groups, associations or businesses that are not corporations
• Candidates in the provincial election prior to the Provincial Election Day
• Federal and Provincial political parties
  Political parties are not permitted to be financially involved in municipal elections.

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 they are required to register as a third party advertiser with the Municipal Clerk.

The registration period for a third party advertiser for the 2022 Municipal Election is between May 2, 2022 and October 31, 2022.  Registration must be filed in person or by an agent at the Municipal Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by appointment only.  Appointments may be made by contacting the Clerk at 613-258-9569 x178 or by email at .