Third Party Advertising

Are you a Third Party Advertiser (TPA)?

Recent amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) include rules governing the finances and accountability of third parties that intend to engage in election advertising. The section to refer to in the LAEA is Part 8: Third Party Advertisers.

When is the election advertising period?

Election advertising is the transmission to the public by any means during an election period (May 1 to October 18, 2021) of an election advertising includes:
  • canvassing for the benefit of a candidate; and
  • organizing events where the primary purpose of the event is to promote or oppose a candidate.

Do I have to register with the Town of St. Paul's Returning Officer?

Third Party Advertisers must register with the Town of St. Paul Returning Officer if they:

  • collect or plan to collect $1,000 in contributions (maximum of $30,000), or
  • spend or plan to spend $1,000 on expenses (no limitations)

Third Party Advertisers can engage in election advertising if they:
  • are approved by the Local Jurisdiction, or
  • do not exceed the $1,000 threshold

How much is an offence?

Under Section 187 of the LAEA:  A third party that contravenes a provision of this Part is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding:

(a) $10,000 if the third party is an individual;
(b) $100,000 if the third party is a trade union, employee organization, corporation or other organization.

Any allegations or complaints can be referred to the Elections Commissioner's Office at 310-000 then dial 780-644-1250. Further information, can be found online here.

Is the municipality required to keep records of TPAs?

A registered third party shall retain all of the records of that registered third party for a period of 3 years following the date on which the financial statements, returns or reports required under the LAEA for the period to which the records relate are required to be filed.

Where can I find out more information?

As a reference, please click here for more information provided by Municipal Affairs on third party advertisers.

Collusion

The Town was advised by Municipal Affairs and Elections Alberta to ensure candidates and third party advertisers are aware of this section below.

Per Section 166(2) of the LAEA: "A candidate shall not collude with a third party to circumvent, or attempt to circumvent, a contribution limit or an expense limit set out in Part 5.1 of an expense limit set out in this Part (Part 8: Third Party Advertising)."

Note: The information on this page is provided for convenience of reference only. Additionally, third party advertisers are subject to further requirements in the LAEA. Third party advertisers are advised to refer to the LAEA and obtain legal advice regarding the full extent of their obligations.