Be ready for the Ontario Election 2022
McCarthy Tétrault is your source for information on how the upcoming election will affect Ontario businesses and beyond
The 2022 general election in Ontario will take place on or before Thursday, June 2. It will be the first held following enactment of the Protecting Ontario Elections Act, 2021, which introduces new rules on donating and third-party advertising. McCarthy Tétrault covers these changes and more this election season with fresh content and unique insights to keep you up-to-date and ahead of the law.
As always, we expect surprises this election season but also opportunities to engage with policy makers and their platforms. Our group of Public Sector experts are leaders in the space and include among them advisers to political leaders and parties, public relations veterans, and counsel to some of Canada’s best-known corporations that participate in regulated political activities. We’re available to help you navigate campaign, advertising, and donation laws while remaining mindful of your brand and your organization’s reputation in the business community.
Have a question?
Contact our Public Sector experts Awanish Sinha, Hartley Lefton, Amanda Iarusso, and Jacob Klugsberg. We can help you make the most of Ontario politics’ most important period and capitalise on the excitement and opportunity an election year brings.
To help you best engage in Ontario’s upcoming general election, we’ve curated a list of must-read articles and resources that provide general guidance on election law.
Bookmark and visit this page regularly as we update it during the campaign.
Ontario Election 2022: What you need to know about time off work for employees on Election Day
On Election Day, eligible electors are entitled to three consecutive hours to vote between when the polls open and when they close.[1] If an employee’s work schedule does not otherwise allow for this, then the employee may request that his or her employer allow such additional time for voting as may be necessary to provide those three consecutive hours and the employer shall grant the request.
Ontario Election 2022: What you need to know before selling political advertising on your platform
Come election season, political parties and candidates turn to a variety of mediums, including newspaper, television, and online platforms (or “sites”), to reach voters and donors. With the next provincial election taking place on June 2nd, 2022, entities that publish or broadcast political advertising – regardless of the medium – should take the time to understand the rules around political advertising.
Ontario Election 2022: What you need to know before you donate or advertise during an election
The Ontario provincial election will be taking place on June 2nd, 2022. If you choose to take part, either as an individual or an organization, then there may be rules and restrictions that apply to you under the Election Finances Act (the “Act”).[1]
Ontario Election 2022: Voting 101
Later this year, Ontarians will elect the province’s 43rd Legislative Assembly. The Ontario Election Act governs what voters may (and may not) do on Election Day. Here’s what you need to know.
Ontario Election 2022: What you need to know about the caretaker convention
With the 2022 Ontario provincial election expected to take place on June 2nd, changes to the daily operation of the provincial government will occur by virtue of a well-established constitutional principle, known as the “caretaker convention”.
Ontario Election 2022: Guidance for lobbyists this election season
Lobbying doesn’t stop just because there’s an impending election. Indeed, Cabinet Ministers, their ministerial staff, and other public office holders continue to hold their respective offices throughout the election period and after (e.g., until a new minister is appointed).
Ontario Election 2022: The Ontario election has officially been called
Well, it’s official! The next Ontario general election is set to take place on June 2, 2022.
On May 3, 2022, Premier Doug Ford visited the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and asked her to call an election, by directing the issuance of the Writs of Election. That means that Ontario is now in the “election period”, where certain rules and reporting obligations apply to third party advertisers, broadcasters, and more.
Ontario Election 2022: What you need to know about Political Events
The 2022 Ontario provincial election is taking place on June 2nd. If you or representatives of your business plan on getting involved in the lead up to Election Day, then you should consider the provincial political event rules before making an appearance at or hosting a political event.
The Votes are In – 2022 Ontario Election Results
The 2022 Ontario Provincial Election was held on June 2, 2022. Premier Doug Ford was re-elected and will be serving his second term in this position. The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario appears to have secured 83 of 124 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario — which results in them forming a majority government for the second term in a row.
I want to make a donation this election season. Is there a limit on my donation?
Yes, and you can learn more about donation limits and rules here. In 2022, eligible individuals can contribute a maximum of $3,325 per calendar year (i.e., January 1st to December 31st, 2022) to each of the following categories:
- to each political party registered in Ontario (e.g., a donor may donate $3,325 to each of the Liberal Party, Progressive Conservative Party, New Democratic Party, Green Party, etc.);
- in total to all the registered associations and registered nomination contestants of each registered party (e.g., a donor may donate a total of $3,325 split up among three nomination contestants for the Progressive Conservative Party in three different ridings, and an additional $3,325 among three Liberal Party candidates in those same (or different) ridings, and so on);
- in total to all registered candidates of each registered party;
- in total to all registered candidates not endorsed by a registered party (i.e. independent candidates); and
- to any one registered leadership contestant in a particular party leadership contest.
My business also wants to make a financial donation this election season. How can I do that?
That is not allowed. Corporations, trade unions, registered charities, unincorporated associations, groups, and any source outside Ontario are not permitted to make contributions to political entities.
I own a business, and I am considering attending a political fundraising event with some of my employees. What do I need to know?
Doing so is subject to limitations and disclosure requirements under the Election Finances Act. Revenue raised by political entities from any fundraising events will be counted as a contribution. The contribution amount will be the difference between the amount paid to attend the event and the direct costs incurred when the contributor attends, e.g., meals, complimentary liquor, taxes, and tips. Direct costs do not include costs that are related to advertising, room rent, equipment, etc. Furthermore, any amounts paid to a political entity in exchange for advertising or promotional opportunities are considered contributions. It follows that only individuals who are residing in Ontario may pay such amounts. Learn more about the donation rules here.
I own a business. Do I have to give time off to my employees on Election Day so they can vote?
Maybe. Eligible electors are entitled to three consecutive hours to vote between when the polls open and when they close. If an employee’s work schedule does not otherwise allow for this, then the employee may request that his or her employer allow such additional time for voting as may be necessary to provide those three consecutive hours and the employer shall grant the request. Learn more about what you need to know about time off work for employees on Election Day here.
Talk to Us Today
Our Public Sector experts at McCarthy Tétrault LLP can help. Please contact any of the lawyers listed below with any questions or for assistance.
