Broadcasters and publishers have new responsibilities related to the campaign advertisements of candidates and third-party advertisers. The campaign period began on May 1 and ended on December 31, 2018.

Advertisements by candidates or third-party advertisers

If a candidate is advertising, you must collect in writing the:

  • candidate’s name
  • name, business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the candidate (Note: this individual may be the candidate themselves)

If a registered third-party is advertising, you must collect in writing the:

  • name of the registered third party (note: this may be the name of an individual, a corporation, or a trade union)
  • municipality where the third party is registered
  • name, business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the registered third party

You must not broadcast or publish any campaign advertising without recording this information.

Broadcasters and publishers must maintain records of:

  • the information collected in writing
  • a copy of the advertisement (or the means of reproducing the advertisement for inspection)
  • a statement of the charge made for its appearance

These records must be kept for 4 years after the date the advertisement appears. Broadcasters and publishers must allow the public to inspect the records.

Third-party advertising is restricted from the start of the campaign period on May 1 until the close of voting on October 22, 2018. Broadcasters and publishers are not required to collect information or retain records for advertisements that appear before May 1.