Site MenuAdvisory Committee of Political Parties – Meeting Summary – June 13 and 14, 2019
7. Interacting with Third Parties in the Pre-election and Election Periods
Presenters: Jeff Merrett (Director, Regulatory Affairs & Systems)
Support: Trevor Knight (Senior Counsel)
Mr. Merrett spoke to ACPP members about how the rules introduced by Bill C-76 affect the way political entities—especially registered parties—may interact with third parties.
He explained how the Canada Elections Act defines third parties as individuals, corporations, trade unions or groups that want to participate in an election other than as a political party, candidate or electoral district association. Third parties need to register if they spend $500 or more on regulated activities in the pre-election period or election period. If they do not have a Canadian connection, third parties are prohibited from spending money to influence an election.
Mr. Merrett explained that, under Bill C-76, the following third party activities are regulated:
- Partisan advertising in the pre-election period;
- Election advertising in the election period;
- Partisan activities in both periods; and
- Election surveys in both periods.
Mr. Merrett also discussed the new provisions in the Act respecting collusion between parties and third parties.
The session concluded with questions from parties on different scenarios of interactions with third parties, which gave EC an opportunity to elaborate on best practices for interacting with third parties and what is and is not acceptable under the new Bill C-76 requirements.