Third Party Advertiser Information

Third party advertising refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote, or oppose a candidate, or support, promote, or oppose a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot. This can be an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium. 

Third party advertising is separate from any candidate's campaign, and must be done independently from a candidate. Any advertisements or materials that are made and distributed by a candidate, or under a candidate's direction, are part of the candidate's campaign. 

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

A candidate running for any municipal council or school board office cannot register to be a third party advertiser in any municipality.

Groups, associations, or businesses that are not corporations are not eligible to register and may not spend money on third party advertising in municipal elections. 

Candidates in the provincial election cannot register. They may register after the provincial election, when they are no longer candidates.

Federal and provincial political parties cannot register to be third party advertisers. Political parties are not permitted to be financially involved in municipal elections. 

All individuals, corporations, and trade unions must register before incurring any expense related to third party advertisements. Notices of Registration can be submitted beginning on May 1, 2026 until October 23, 2026 with the Clerk.

Form 7, otherwise known as the Notice of Registration – Third Party Form, shall be filed with the Clerk from May 1, 2026 (the first day for filing Nominations) to Friday, October 23, 2026 (the Friday before voting day) during regular office hours in the following manner:

• In person or by an agent.
• No faxed or other electronically transmitted registration notices will be accepted – original signatures required.
• With proof of identity, as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13, as amended.
• With the declaration of qualification, signed by the individual or by a representative of the corporation or trade union.
• A resolution from the corporation or trade union that authorizes the person or agent to register on their behalf, if applicable.

The Clerk shall administer the Declaration of Qualifications on the Notice of Registration – Third Party Form (Form 7) and the Declaration of Qualification oath to the individual or to the representative of the corporation or trade union. The date and time of filing are to be filled in by the Clerk and initialled by the individual or representative of the corporation or trade union. The Clerk will then sign the Notice of Registration and Declaration of Qualifications.

For questions regarding registration as a Third Party, reach out to the Clerk at 519-730-2128.

Individuals, corporations, or trade unions who wish to raise or spend money on third party advertisements must open a bank account exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign. They are also responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to their campaign.

In order to place any advertisement as a Third Party, a Third Party must have registered by completing the Form 7 and submitting to the Clerk. Once approved, advertisements may be placed, in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act and applicable By-laws or Election Procedures. For example, lawn signs may only be placed following August 21st in the year of the election, and must be removed within five days of the conclusion of the election period. 

The campaign period for a third party advertiser begins on the day their Notice of Registration is filed and automatically ends on December 31, 2026.