Site MenuDo You Have to Register as a Third Party for the Federal By-election?
This infographic explains when to register as a third party with Elections Canada and the obligations of a third party during a by-election.
If you are:
- an individual who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or who lives in Canada (other than a candidate)
- a corporation carrying on business in Canadafootnote 1
- a group where a person responsible for the group is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or lives in Canada (other than a registered party or an electoral district association of a registered party)
and you have conducted any of the following regulated activities in the election period:
with combined expenses of $500 or more then you must immediately register as a third party with Elections Canada.
You may also choose to register after the election is called if you intend to conduct regulated activities with combined expenses of $500 or more.
Registration process
- Appoint a financial agent and, if required, an auditor.
- Submit the General Form—Third Party.
- Open a bank account for the sole purpose of your regulated activities.
Obligations of a registered third party
- Respect the expenses limit.
- Submit the Third Party's Electoral Campaign Return and, if required, an auditor's report, within four months after election day.
Footnotes
Return to footnote 1 A corporation incorporated outside Canada cannot register as a third party if, during the election period, its primary purpose in Canada is to influence electors' votes.