Third party advertising refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate, or support, promote or oppose a “yes" or “no" answer to a question on the ballot. The meaning of “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. Any advertisements or materials that are made and distributed by a candidate, or under a candidate's direction, are part of the candidate's campaign.
A third-party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate, or a “yes" or “no" answer to a question on the ballot. Advertisement includes traditional ads as well as materials such as brochures or signs.
For more detailed information, see the 2026 Third Party Advertisers' Guide.
An individual, corporation or trade union can register to be a third-party advertiser beginning on May 1, 2026 and can file a registration until the close of business on Friday, October 23, 2026. Third Party Advertiser Registrations can be submitted using the Notice of Registration.
What is not considered a third party advertisement?
Activities that do not involve spending money, such as discussions or expressing an opinion about a candidate are not considered to be third party advertising. Examples include:
- speaking to friends and neighbours
- unpaid posting on social media, such as Twitter, Facebook or Instagram
- sending an email to a group or mailing list
Internal communications from an employer to their employees, a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees or by a trade union to its members or employees are not considered to be third party advertising.