Third Party Advertising

A Third Party Advertisement is considered an advertisement, in any medium, that has the purpose of promoting or supporting or opposing a candidate(s) or a 'yes' or 'no' to a question on a ballot.

Individuals, corporations or trade unions must register with the Clerk to be a third party advertiser in a municipality. 

Third party advertisers are required to identify themselves on campaign advertisements and signs, so that it is clear who is responsible for each sign and advertisement that appears or is broadcast. 

A Third Party Advertisement does not include:

• An advertisement by and under the direction of a candidate;
• Where no expenses are incurred by the person/entity in relation to the advertisement; and
• When given or transmitted by an individual to employees, by a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees or by a trade union to its members or employees.
• Advertising that does not cost money to post or to broadcast, such as posts or comments made on social media.

Please review the 2026 Third-Party Advertisers' Guide produced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for more information.

• 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. 

Individuals, corporations or trade unions are eligible to register as a third party advertiser provided that they have formally registered with the local Clerk.

Registrations for Third Party Advertisers must filed in person BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with the Clerk during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding Statutory holidays beginning May 1, 2026 through to October 23, 2026).

To request an appointment please email election@huntsville.ca or call 705-789-1751 x 2255.

No individual, corporation or trade union is permitted to incur expenses for a third party advertisement that appears during the restricted period unless they are a registered third party. Restricted period is the date registration is filed and ends at the close of voting on Voting Day.

Contributions by corporations and trade unions to candidates are not permitted, however, corporations and trade unions can contribute to third party advertisers. Money, goods and services are considered contributions.

The following are permitted to contribute:

• An individual who is normally a resident of Ontario;
• A corporation that carries on business in Ontario;
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario; and
• The registered third party and in the case of an individual, their spouse (subject to s.88.12(5) of the Municipal Elections Act,1996).

Other important notes about contribution limits:

• Cannot be made or accepted unless registered as a third party;
• Maximum contribution from a single contributor is $1,200 to a registered third party and $5,000 to two or more registered third parties in a municipality;
• If the contribution exceeds $25 is shall not be in cash.

These contribution limits do not apply to the registered third party if the contribution is made by themselves and if the registered third party advertiser is an individual, along with their spouse.

Expenses are:

• Only to be made by the registered third party or an individual acting under their direction;
• Subject to maximum expense limit (prescribed formula based on the number of electors entitled to vote); and
• Required to record expenses and file a financial statement.

A fundraising function relating to third party advertisements that are to appear during an election cannot be held for an individual, corporation or trade union that is not registered as a third party in a municipality and cannot be held outside the campaign period.