Third Party Advertisers

Third party advertisers may register with the municipality from Tuesday, May 1, 2018 until Friday, October 19, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Third party registrations will not be accepted after the deadline.

Registration allows a third party advertiser to promote or oppose any candidate that the electors in the municipality can vote for (local Council and School Board Trustee positions).

 To register as a third party, you must be:

• A corporation that operates a business in Ontario  
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario 
• An individual who is normally a resident of Ontario 

You are not able to register if you are: 

• A candidate whose nomination has been filed under the Municipal Elections Act of 1996 
• A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any Federal constituency association or a federal candidate that has been endorsed by that party 
• A provincial party constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant, registered under the Election Finances Act
• The Crown in right of Ontario and Canada, another municipality, or a local board

Where the advertisement is print, broadcast or digital, it must include: 

• The name of the registered third party advertiser; and
• The municipality where the third party advertiser is registered; and 
• A telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered third party advertiser may be contacted regarding the advertisement.

Corporations, individuals and trade unions are permitted to make contributions as a third party advertiser and are also permitted to make contributions to other third party advertisers. When a third party registers with a municipality, they are allowed to support or oppose any type of candidate, such as Mayor, Councillor, or Trustee. Third party advertising must be done independently from the candidate, and the candidate cannot dictate what the third party does during the campaign. Third parties are allowed to advocate for a candidate in multiple municipalities, as long as they register with that specific town/city.

Campaign finance rules regarding third parties are similar to rules for candidates: 

• Third party advertisers have spending limits and contribution limits from other donors.
• A maximum contribution from an individual is $1,200 and $5,000 from two or more registered third party advertisers in a municipality. Trade unions and corporations are allowed to make contributions to third party advertisers, but cannot make contributions to candidates. 
• Preliminary maximum spending limit is $5,268.20. A final maximum spending limit will be published late September. 

Forms (hard copies also available at Town Hall)

• Third Party Registration Form
• Consent to Release Personal Information
• Notice of Filing Requirements and Penalties Related to Third Party Finances
• Notice of Filing Requirements and Penalties Related to Third Party Finances - Acknowledgement
• Financial Filings

Guides and presentations

• 2018 Guide for Third Party Advertisers

Relevant legislation

• Town of St. Marys Sign By-law