What is a third party advertisement?
A third party advertisement 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 City Clerk before they can begin advertising during a municipal election.
Third party advertisers’ guide
For more information, we recommend consulting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housings 2022 Third Party Advertisers’ Guide. This guide was created to provide third party advertisers with general information in plain language concerning the rules and constraints of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and other legislation and regulations.
Book an appointment with the Elections Office
The Elections Office is open by appointment only. Third party advertisers, or their agents, may contact the Elections Office by phone at 613-580-2660 or by email at elections@ottawa.ca to schedule an appointment to meet with staff. Appointments will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis.