Election Act Changes
Elections Ontario would like to remind landlords and condominium corporations about changes to the Election Act that allows candidates and canvassers access to multi-unit residential buildings.
Under new legislation, a candidate, or his or her representative, is legally entitled to have access to the common areas of multiple-residence buildings that contain seven or more self-contained units (such as an apartment or condominium) to distribute materials and canvass residents during an electoral event. The 2018 General Election period will begin when the writs of election are issued on May 9 and runs through to Election Day on June 7.
However, the right of access to a multiple-residence building does not apply in the case of a building whose residents’ physical or emotional well-being may be at risk, a university or college residence, or a building occupied by residents who require assistance in living.
Canvassers must follow the following rules in order to access a multi-unit residential building:
• Access is limited to between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, or between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on a Saturday or Sunday;
• At least one person seeking access must be at least 18 years of age;
• Every person seeking access must, on request, provide valid identification; and
• Every person seeking access who is not a candidate must, on request, provide a valid Canvasser Authorization Form (Form F0436) from the candidate.
Owners or condominium corporations who fail to provide timely access, and who subsequently fail to comply with the prescribed form requiring access, will face monetary administrative penalties. The requirement forms for canvassers and the administrative penalties are listed on Elections Ontario’s website.
If you have any questions regarding the administrative penalty process, or the related forms, please email penadmin@elections.on.ca or call the Compliance Division at Elections Ontario at 1-866-566-9066 or 416-325-9401.
