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Contributions & Fundraising


This information is a summary of the requirements contained in the Municipal Elections Act (MEA). Each candidate is responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with all requirements of the MEA and must satisfy themselves that they are in full compliance with the MEA. This includes filing Financial Statements with the City Clerk's Office using the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Auditor’s Report: Form 4). Other sources of candidate financial information are the pages: Candidate Financial Responsibilities, Campaign Expenses and Financial Reporting.

Information contained on this site should not be used by candidates in isolation of a thorough review of the MEA.

Who can make or receive contributions?

Contributions can only be made to candidates who are nominated. Contributions may be made by the following:

  • an individual who is a resident of Ontario;
  • a corporation that carries on business in Ontario;
  • a trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario; and
  • a candidate and his/her spouse.

The following are prohibited from making a contribution:

  • a federal political party or constituency association, or a candidate at a federal election endorsed by a party;
  • a provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant; registered under Election Finances Act;
  • the Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board;
  • charitable organizations or corporations established for charitable purposes;
  • public corporations such as hospitals, boards of commissions, etc.

What limits are there on contributions?


As a candidate, there is no limit on the amount you or your spouse can contribute to your own campaign. All others can contribute a maximum of $750 to a single candidate, and no more than $5000 to two or more candidates for office on the same council. Contributions under $25 may be made in cash, but any contributions over $25 must not be cash.