Third party sponsors and advertising

Third party sponsors must be independent from candidates and/or elector organizations and must not coordinate, or sponsor advertising together with, or on behalf of a candidate and/or elector organization.

Third party sponsors must register with Elections BC before conducting advertising during the pre-campaign and campaign periods and are subject to campaign financing disclosure requirements under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.

Third party sponsors in general local elections must:

• Register with Elections BC before conducting any advertising
• Include their name and contact information on all advertising during the pre-campaign period and the campaign period
• Be independent and not sponsor advertising on behalf of, or together with, a candidate or elector organization
• Not spend more than the allowable expense limits, and
• File a disclosure statement with Elections BC

Third party advertising

Third party advertising includes advertising for or against a candidate and/or an elector organization. Third party advertising also includes advertising on an issue with which a candidate or elector organization is associated—such as funding for a local recreation centre or preserving parkland – in the campaign period.

There are limits placed on sponsorship contributions made by eligible individuals to third party sponsors. For more information about third party advertising rules visit Elections BC.

• Guide for Local Third Party Advertising Sponsors in BC

Local elections legislation

• Local Government Act
• Local Election Campaign Financing Act​
• Community Charter
• Vancouver Charter​
• School Act
• Offence Act