Learn more about third-party advertisers, including what constitutes a third-party advertisement, who can be a third party advertiser, the advertising period, registering as a third-party advertiser, and access the Third-Party Advertisers’ Guide.
Individuals, corporations or trade unions disseminating third-party advertisements must register as a third-party advertiser. Every third-party advertiser is responsible for keeping records related to their advertising campaign. Every third-party advertiser must open a bank account exclusively for the advertising campaign.
What is a third-party advertisement
Third-party advertising refers to advertisements that support, promote or oppose a candidate. The meaning of “third party” in this context means 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 and to try to persuade voters to vote a certain way.
Activities that do not involve incurring expenses, such as discussions or expressing an opinion about a candidate are not considered to be third-party advertising. Examples include:
- speaking to friends and neighbours
- posting on social media, such as X, Facebook or Instagram
- sending an email to a group or mailing list
Advertising about an issue, rather than a candidate, is not considered third-party advertising.
Who can be a third-party advertiser
Only those who have registered can incur expenses 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
A candidate cannot be a third-party advertiser.
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.
Advertising campaign period
A registered third-party advertiser can only accept contributions or incur campaign expenses during their advertising campaign period.
The advertising campaign begins on the day the clerk certifies the registration of an individual, corporation or trade union to be a third-party advertiser. Third-party advertisers can register beginning on May 1, 2026, until the close of business on Friday October 23, 2026.
Registering to be a third-party advertiser
Registration is done in person through the Office of the City Clerk, by submitting a Notice of Registration Third Party – Form 7
An individual, corporation or trade union can register to be a third-party advertiser beginning on May 1, 2026, and can file a registration until the close of business on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Learn more
Learn more by reviewing the Third-Party Advertisers’ Guide.