Canadian Elections Resource Centre

IAB Canada has updated its Issues Tracker database to support members during the 2025 Canadian federal election. Originally launched in 2021 with the Canadian Press, the tracker is now more robust, timely, and aligned with current compliance needs.

• IAB Canada Members – The Issue Tracker is available through the Knowledge Centre
• Non-IAB Canada Members – For information around subscription fee and access to the Issue Tracker, please contact [email protected]

• Casting a Vote for Collaboration – IAB Canada and Elections Ontario Come Together to Ease Pressure on Canadian Publishers

The following links have been curated to help IAB Canada members navigate our federal election law, Bill C-76, as well as provide additional helpful tools and information to be utilized during an election period. Resources will be continually updated as required.

• Bill C-76
• Overview of Registry Requirements for Political Ads on Online Platforms
• Where and How Ads Run in Canada During the Federal Election (Updated August 16, 2021)
• Publisher Media Kit (includes Political ad acceptance – Updated August 16, 2021)
• IAB Canada Launches Issue Tracker to Help with Compliance
• An Elections Canada Case Study – Presented by IAB Canada to the Government of Canada
• IAB Canada Response to Elections Canada Post Election Consultation

• Advertising Guidelines for Political Participants (Provincial)
• Third-Party Advertising Guidelines for Local Elections in Alberta (Municipal) 

**if you have any outstanding questions regarding the provincial and/or municipal elections in Alberta, you can call the numbers below for more information: 

• Provincial: 1-780-427-7191
• Municipal: 1-780-427-2225

The following links have been curated to help IAB Canada members navigate the Ontario Election Finances Act, as well as provide additional helpful tools and information to be utilized during an election period. Resources will be continually updated as required.

• Ontario Elections Finances Act
• Ontario Election Finances Act Amendments Impacting Publishers
• An IAB Canada Overview of Ontario Election Requirements
• Information for Broadcasters and publishers
• Handbook for Broadcasters and Publishers

The following links have been curated to help IAB Canada members navigate the Municipal Elections Act, as well as provide additional helpful tools and information to be utilized during an election period. Resources will be continually updated as required.

• Municipal Elections Act
  • Advertising Registry Requirements – subsections 88.3(5) and 88.5(4) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 outline the rules for broadcasters and publishers related to maintaining records.
  • Blackout Periods –  the Municipal Elections Act does not prohibit campaigning on voting day. While there are restrictions on advertising for federal and provincial elections on voting day, these “blackouts” do not exist for municipal council and school board elections. However, the Act prohibits the display of campaign material in a voting place and there is a prohibition against any person attempting to influence how the elector votes when an elector is in the voting place. More information can be found in the guides linked below and in section 48 of the Act.
• Candidates’ Guide (will be updated prior to the 2022 municipal election)
• Guide for Third Party Advertisers (will be updated prior to the 2022 municipal election)

**if you have any outstanding questions regarding the municipal elections in Ontario, you can reference the following website or reach out directly to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing via this form.