Third-Party Election Ad Registration - Third party advertisers - 30 Apr 26

Council received an information presentation from the city clerk’s office on third-party advertiser registration rules for the 2026 municipal election, including who must register, when registration opens and closes, and what types of communications are excluded from the rules.

Topics Discussed

THIRD-PARTY ADVERTISER REGISTRATION: The clerk’s office outlined that registration is required for individuals, corporations, or trade unions that want to run advertising that supports or opposes a candidate or a ballot question during the 2026 municipal election period. Staff said the registration window will run from May 1, 2026 to October 23, 2026, and that registrants must book an in-person appointment with the clerk’s office before conducting any third-party advertising.

The presentation also listed exclusions from the third-party advertising rules. Staff told council: “Third party advertising does not include issues-based advertising. So groups that do public outreach can continue their issues-based advocacy work throughout the municipal election period.” The clerk’s office also excluded advertising by candidates where no expense is incurred, and certain internal communications (such as employer-to-employee, corporation-to-shareholder, and union-to-member communications).

Staff directed residents and organizations to bmpton.ca/bmptonvotes for registration information and online booking, and said inquiries can be made through 311 (within city limits) or 905-874-2000 (outside city limits).

Motions

No motions were recorded in the provided transcript.

Attendees

Attendee information was not provided in the transcript.