The writ is dropped, and a Federal election is officially scheduled for October 21, 2019.  

You may be hearing about changes to the rules for election advertising online. There are new regulations requiring advertiser registration - but none of our members are impacted, as we fall below the minimum set for monthly visitors.

What visit thresholds must be reached for a digital ad registry to be required?

The Canada Elections Act requires an ad registry when the following monthly visit thresholds are reached:

• For platforms mainly in English - three million unique visitors in Canada a month
• For platforms mainly in French - one million unique visitors in Canada a month
• For platforms mainly in a language other than English or French- 100,000 unique visitors in Canada a month

Some other common questions about election advertising are answered here, by the experts at News Media Canada:

Are there advertising blackout periods during the campaign?
The only time when candidates and political parties cannot advertise is on election day. (Section 323 of the Canada Elections Act)

 

When I publish an unofficial election poll or "streeter," do I have to include specific wording?
Yes, if you conduct a "streeter" or unofficial poll, you are required to indicate that the survey is not based on recognized statistical methods. Also, if you publish someone else’s unofficial poll within 24 hours of its first publication, you must include a statement that it is not based on recognized statistical methods. (Section 327)

 

Do election ads need any special authorization?
All ads for a candidate or political party must state that the advertisement is authorized by the official agent for that candidate or by the registered agent for the political party. (Section 320)

 

Are there any restrictions on how much I can charge a candidate or political party?
A newspaper cannot charge a political party or candidate more than the lowest rate they charge any other advertiser for equivalent space in the same issue. (Section 348)

 

Are newspapers required to provide free space to political parties for advertisements?
No, there is no requirement for newspapers to provide space for political parties or candidates, either free or paid.

 

Are there any restrictions on when I can publish an opinion poll?
Yes, you cannot publish a new poll on election day. (Section 328)

 

The full Canada Elections Act is here:

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-2.01/index.html

 

And the detail changes to requirements for online advertiser registries are here:

https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=pol&dir=regifaq&document=index&lang=e#q3

 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact:

Caroline Medwell

Executive Director,

Ontario Community Newspapers Association/Ad*Reach

37 Front Street East, Ste 200

Toronto, Ontario M5E 1B3

T: 416-923-7724 ext 4428

C: 416-618-1522