What is third party advertising?
Third party advertising is a paid message placed in any medium (broadcast, print or electronic) by an individual (other than the nominated candidate), corporation, or trade union, that supports or opposes a candidate for council, mayor or a school board.
What are the requirements for third party advertising?
A third party advertiser is required to register with the City Clerk if they want to advertise. Until the City Clerk certifies the registration, the third party advertiser may not pay for any advertising/promotion on behalf of a candidate. The Municipal Elections Act includes rules for third party advertising.
Individuals, corporations and trade unions in Ontario can register as third party advertisers and can also make contributions to third party advertisers. Third party advertising must be done independently of candidates. Candidates cannot register as a third party advertiser and cannot provide direction to a third party advertiser.
You must schedule a meeting with the City Clerk’s Office to register as a Third Party Advertiser. Please contact [email protected], or call 519-837-5625 for more information.
Notice of Registration – Third Party – Form 7
Key Dates
- First Day to Register as a Third Party Advertiser: May 1, 2026
- Last Day to Register as a Third Party Advertiser: October 23, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
- Last Day to Accept Contributions: January 3, 2027
- Last Day to File Financial Statements and Auditor Reports: March 26, 2027
Who cannot register as a third party advertiser?
The following are not permitted to register:
- municipal election candidates
- federal and provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants
- federal and provincial governments, municipalities, or local boards
Broadcasters or publishers as registered third party advertisers
Broadcasters or publishers who wish to conduct third party advertising must register as a third party advertiser and follow the requirements of the Municipal Elections Act.
Mandatory information
Mandatory information must be provided to the broadcaster or publisher in writing before the advertisement appears.
For a candidate advertisement:
- Name of the candidate
- Name, business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the candidate
For a third party advertisement:
- Name of the registered third party advertiser
- Municipality where the third party advertiser is registered
- Name, business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the registered third party advertiser