Election Information

Become a Third Party Advertiser

A person, corporation or trade union must register with the City Clerk from May 2 to October 21, 2022 if they spend money on advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate in the municipal election, or question on the ballot.

How to register

In the next general election, registration to become a third-party advertiser will open May 2, and close on October 21, 2022. Third party advertisers must be registered in each municipality where they want to advertise.

Appointments must be made with the Office of the City Clerk to register. Appointments will be available between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Appointments to register can be scheduled by contacting:
Office of the City Clerk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 4408

Those interested in becoming a third-party advertiser must file a Notice of Registration in person or by an agent. This Notice of Registration must be certified by the City Clerk before any money can be raised or spent on advertising. There is no fee required to register as a third-party advertiser.

At the time of filing, this documentation must be provided:

  • Completed Notice of Registration form
  • Acceptable identification showing your name and qualifying Ontario address
  • Completed Notice of Registration form
  • A copy of the individual registrant’s acceptable identification
  • Acceptable identification showing your name
  • Completed Notice of Registration form
  • A board resolution from the corporation or trade union authorizing you to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union
  • Acceptable identification showing your name

Third Party Advertiser forms

For more information on the registration process, view Third Party Registration Procedure (PDF, 187 KB)

Third Party Advertiser criteria

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 sets out rules for third party advertising:

  • A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a candidate in the election, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot.
  • Individuals, corporations and trade unions who wish to conduct third party advertising in a City of Hamilton election must be registered with the City Clerk.
    • A third-party advertiser cannot spend money on their campaign, accept contributions or begin advertising until their registration is certified by the City Clerk.
    • Advertisements must identify the name of the registered third-party advertiser, the municipality where they are registered and contact information.
  • Candidates cannot register as a third-party advertiser and cannot direct a third-party advertiser.

In accordance with subsection 88.27 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the following individual, corporation or trade union is not entitled to register in relation to a subsequent election in the municipality until after the next regular election has taken place. Notice of default was provided through registered mail.

Third party Advertiser Reason for default
Guerra, Britney Statement not filed
Hurley, Sean Surplus not paid
Say No To Fred's LRT Corp. Statement not filed
Tomaszewski, Patrick Statement not filed

Third Party Advertiser guide

For each municipal general election, the Province of Ontario releases a guide with information on registering as a third-party advertiser, advertising rules, financial filing requirements, and more.