the Rules Around Campaign Fundraising

Running for municipal office in Ontario comes with specific rules around campaign fundraising, set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA). Here's a practical guide on how you can legally and effectively raise money for your campaign:

✅ WHO Can Contribute to Your Campaign?

You can accept contributions only from:

1. Individuals who are:

   1. Residents of Ontario, and

   2. Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

2. Yourself (as the candidate), subject to limits.

3. Your spouse, also subject to limits

❌ You cannot accept donations from corporations, trade unions, or from individuals who don’t live in Ontario.

💰 Contribution Limits

• A contributor (individual, spouse, or yourself) can give up to $1,200 to a single candidate.

• The total amount one person can contribute to multiple candidates in the same election is $5,000.

💼 Your Own Contributions

You can contribute to your own campaign up to a limit based on the size of the municipality:

Formula:   $5,000 + $0.20 per elector (based on the number of electors on the voters’ list).

Your municipal clerk will provide you with your individual contribution limit when you file your nomination.

📋 Accepting Contributions: Best Practices

• Open a Campaign Bank Account

  • Required if you accept contributions or incur expenses.

  • All contributions and expenses must go through this account.

• Keep Detailed Records

  • Log all contributions over $100 (name, address, amount, date).

  • Issue receipts for each contribution.

  • Keep copies of all supporting documents.

• Issue Receipts (but NOT Tax Receipts)

  • Municipal candidates cannot issue tax receipts, only donation receipts for transparency and audit purposes.

📢 Ways to Fundraise

You can raise funds through:

• Direct personal requests to friends, family, supporters.

• Campaign events (ticketed dinners, BBQs, etc.)

  • Must follow rules for reporting both revenue and expenses.

• Online fundraising platforms

  • Can be used if, and only if,  they comply with MEA rules. Record donor info for all donations over $100.

• Door-to-door canvassing with a fundraising ask.

• Email and social media campaigns, linking to a donation page.

⚠️ All contributions over $100 must be made by cheque, money order, or a method that leaves a paper trail (e.g., e-transfer, online payment).

        Cash contributions are only allowed up to $100.

🧾 Reporting Requirements

After the election, you must file a financial statement outlining:

• All contributions received

• All campaign expenses

• Any surplus or deficit

You may also need to have your financial statement audited, depending on the amount of contributions or spending. Here is a link to the financial statements submitted by candidates in the 2022 election. 2022 Statements

⚖️ Legal Risks

Violating fundraising rules can lead to:

• Fines

• Disqualification from office

• Loss of eligibility to run in the next election

🔍 Resources

• Our municipal clerk (bbloomfield@owensound.ca  519-376-4440 ext. 1247) – She is your primary resource and can provide:

  • Your individual spending/contribution limits

  • Key deadlines and forms

• Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (Ontario)

• Ministry of Municipal Affairs: Candidates’ Guide (still useful even for 2026 election)