Candidates cannot raise or spend any money on their campaign until they have filed a nomination paper and opened a bank account exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign.

Third parties cannot raise or spend any money on their campaign until they have filed a notice of registration and opened a bank account exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign.

Contributions to a candidate’s campaign

Campaign contributions are any money, goods or services that are given to a candidate for use in their campaign, including money and goods that a candidate contributes to themselves.

Any person who is a resident of Ontario may make a contribution to a candidate’s campaign.

The following persons and entities shall not make a contribution:

A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.

A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.

A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.

A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or a local board.

Individuals may contribute a maximum of $1,200 to a single candidate. This includes the value of any goods or services donated to the campaign. Individuals may not contribute more than $5,000 in total to candidates running for offices on the same council or school board. Any contribution of money must come directly from the contributor.

Contributions greater than $25 may not be made in cash. All contributions above $25 must be made by cheque, money order, or by a method that clearly shows where the funds come from.

Contributions to municipal and school board candidates, as well as registered third parties, are not tax deductible.

Contributions to a registered third party

The following persons and entities may make a contribution to a registered third party:

Any person who is a resident of Ontario.

A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.

A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

The registered third party and, in the case of an individual, his or her spouse.

The following persons and entities shall not make a contribution to a registered third party:

A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.

A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.

The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or a local board.

Contributors may contribute a total of $1,200 to a registered third party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the City of Ottawa. The maximum total amount that a contributor can give to third parties registered in the City of Ottawa is $5,000.

Contributions greater than $25 may not be made in cash. All contributions above $25 must be made by cheque, money order, or by a method that clearly shows where the funds come from.