Third party advertisers

What is a third-party advertisement?

A third-party advertisement (TPA) refers to an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate in the election, or, a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot.

Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for such advertisements must register as a third-party advertiser with the Clerk before they can begin advertising.

Registration to be a third-party advertiser for the 2026 Municipal Elections will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026. Additional information regarding the registration process and forms will be available in early 2026.

Who can register as a third-party advertiser?

Only the following persons and entities are eligible to file a notice of registration:

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

Who cannot register as a third-party advertiser?

Persons and entities that are not eligible to file a notice of registration include:

• A candidate whose nomination has been filed under Section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act;
• A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) 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; OR
• The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.