Third Party Advertisers

A third party advertisement is an ad that supports, promotes, or opposes a candidate, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot.

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.

Third party advertisers who wish to spend money on advertisements during the election must register with the Clerk and must file a financial statement.

Registration – Third Party Advertisers

An individual, corporation, or trade union may file with the Clerk a notice of registration to be a registered third party for the election between May 1, 2026 and October 23, 2026 at the Office of the Clerk during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). The notice must be filed in the prescribed form and must include a declaration of qualification signed by the individual or by a representative of the corporation or trade union, as the case may be.

If a registration is submitted by an agent who is acting on behalf of an individual who wishes to register as a Third Party Advertiser, a letter must be provided at the time of registration which authorizes the agent to register on their behalf. The letter must be signed by the third party advertiser and commissioned or notarized by a person authorized under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act or Notaries Act.

Third party advertisers are encouraged to book an appointment with the Office of the Clerk to submit their registration. To book an appointment please email clerks@brock.ca 

Until the Clerk certifies your registration, a Third Party Advertiser may not incur campaign expenses, accept contributions or begin advertising.

Who is Eligible to Register as a Third Party Advertiser?

1. An individual who is normally resident in Ontario;
2. A corporation that carries on business in Ontario; and, 
3. A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

Who is not permitted to register as a Third Party Advertiser?

1. A candidate whose nomination has been filed with the Clerk;
2. 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;
3. A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act; and,
4. The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.

Note: Section 88.6(6) of the Municipal Elections Act (MEA) states that third party advertisements shall not be under the direction of a candidate whose nomination has been filed under section 33 of the MEA.