Expert insights: How Ontario can rethink its election spending law

By Valere Gaspard, Alec Mazurek, Special to Western News. In the months leading up to the next provincial election in Ontario in June, spending for third parties has been rigorously restricted during the pre-election period. Changes to election laws often go unnoticed, but these new regulations could have major implications for the freedom of expression exercised by both people and organizations in Ontario over the coming months. The Ontario government could take action to address freedom of expression concerns while maintaining the spirit of their changes. Expenditure limits. The pre-election period consists of a set amount of time, prior to an election period with a fixed election date, during which third parties have spending limits on political advertisements. Prior to the changes to the law made in April 2021 by the Doug Ford government, this period lasted six months, spending limits were set at $600,000 and only political advertisements (ads that directly or indirectly promote or oppose a party, leader or candidate) were regulated.