2026 Municipal Election

Third Party Advertiser Information

2026 Election

Third‑Party Advertisers

This section is for individuals, corporations, or trade unions interested in supporting a candidate through advertising during the municipal election

It explains what third‑party advertising is, who may register, how to register, and the rules and responsibilities that apply.

What is Third‑Party Advertising?

Third‑party advertising refers to advertisements or materials that promote, support, or oppose:

A candidate, or
A “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot

In this context, a third party is a person or organization that is not a candidate.Third‑party advertising is separate from a candidate’s campaign and must be carried out independently.Examples of third‑party advertising include printed materials, signs, online or social media advertising, and other paid promotional content.For detailed guidance, refer to the provincial Third‑Party Advertisers’ Guide

What is NOT Third‑Party Advertising?

Activities that do not involve spending money are generally not considered third‑party advertising.Examples include:

Expressing an opinion in conversation
Posting opinions on personal social media accounts
Sending an unpaid email to friends or family

For detailed guidance, refer to the provincial Third‑Party Advertisers’ Guide

Who can register as a Third‑Party Advertiser?

The following are eligible to register as a third‑party advertiser:

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

If more than one corporation is owned or controlled by the same person or group, they are considered a single corporation for registration purposes.

Who cannot register?

The following are not eligible to register as third‑party advertisers:

Candidates running for municipal council or school board trustee
Federal or provincial political parties or constituency associations
Groups or organizations that are not corporations (such as clubs or associations)
Municipalities, local boards, or the Crown

Registration period

Third‑party advertisers may register during the legislated registration period:

Opens: Friday, May 1, 2026
Closes: Friday, October 23, 2026 at the close of business

Third‑party advertisers must be registered before spending money or conducting any advertising.

How to register

To register as a third‑party advertiser, you must file a Notice of Registration (Form 7) with the Clerk’s Department.Registration must be completed in person or by an agent and includes:

A completed registration form
Required identification
Any supporting documentation required by provincial legislation

There is no fee to register.The Clerk must certify the registration before advertising may begin.

Rules and responsibilities

Registered third‑party advertisers are subject to:

Spending limits
Mandatory financial reporting
Advertising conduct requirements set out in provincial legislation

Third‑party advertising must be conducted independently of candidates. Any advertising done by or under the direction of a candidate is considered part of the candidate’s campaign.It is the responsibility of each third‑party advertiser to understand and comply with all applicable rules.

2026 Third-Party Advertisers’ Guide Notice of Registration - Third Party - Form 7