Information for Third Parties

What is Third Party Advertising?

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. Third party in this context is a person or entity who is not a candidate.

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.

Third party advertising is a way for those outside of the candidate’s campaign to express support of or opposition to candidates (or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot) and to try to persuade voters to vote a certain way.

A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. Advertisement includes traditional ads as well as materials such as brochures or signs.

Who can be a Third Party Advertiser?

To file a notice of registration you must be eligible.

To be an eligible person or entity you must be:

• 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.

Who cannot be a Third Party Advertiser?

• A candidate whose nomination has been filed.
• A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act 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 Candidate whose nomination has been filed shall not direct any third party advertisements.

Filing Process

Notices for Registration will be accepted at the Municipal Office during regular business hours from May 1^st, 2018 until Friday, October 19^th, 2018 (the Friday before Voting Day).

Notices for Registration must include:

• the prescribed Notice of Registration form (see link below)
• a Declaration of Qualifications (see link below)
• a Resolution from the Corporation or Trade Union that authorizes the person or agent to register on their behalf, if applicable

Third Parties are requested to bring proof of identity and the unsigned forms with them to the Municipal Office where they are to be signed in front of the Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer and filed.

Filing Forms

Third Party Advertiser - Introductory Letter
Form - Notice for Registration
Form - Declaration of Qualifications (Third Party Advertiser)

List of Registered Third Parties

Additional Resources

Municipal Elections Act
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Third Party Advertisers Guide
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Municipal Elections
Tay Valley Township - Third Party Advertising Policy
Election Sign Policy on Provincial Roads
Tay Valley Township - Election Procedures
Form - Broadcaster/Publisher Information Sheet
Form - Financial Statement - Auditor's Report - Third Party