Election - municipal - canvassing and advertising - Are there any limitations imposed on the methodology used to promote or advertise the attributes of a candidate at a municipal election?

Extensive provisions contained in previous legislation have been eliminated in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Under this legislation, political advertising is not considered a contribution where it is provided without charge on a broadcasting undertaking, as defined in the Broadcasting Act (Canada), if it is provided in accordance with that Act and the regulations and guidelines made under it, and is provided equally to all candidates for office on the particular council or local board.

Certain limitations are placed on the distribution of campaign literature and the right of entry for canvassers.

No prohibition exists to prevent a person on voting day from delivering to any other person a card, ticket, leaflet, book, or circular, soliciting votes for or against any candidate. The distribution or display of such material within a voting place, however, is prohibited.

Other legislation supports the right of canvassers to enter condominiums and rented premises for the purposes of canvassing or distributing election material.

A leading publication on this subject is Candidates and Electors. Its content is applicable to Ontario municipalities.

Page last modified on May 30, 2006, at 12:50 PM