Once you are a candidate

After completing the nomination process, you can start campaigning. You can also access the candidate information hub for:

• Important information related to running in a municipal election
• The Candidate Financial Filing System which will help you track your campaign finances and complete your Financial Statement
• The voters’ list (available in September 2022)

Campaign spending

There is a limit to how much you can spend during a campaign.

The spending limit is provided to all candidates in the nomination package. Make sure to check the nomination papers you were provided to know the maximum amount you can spend on your campaign.

Accepting contributions

Campaign contributions include any money, goods or services that you receive for your campaign.

As a candidate, you can only accept contributions from residents of Ontario.

You are not allowed to accept contributions from:

• Corporations
• Trade unions
• Non-residents of Ontario
• Federal political parties, constituency associations, or a registered candidate in a federal election
• Provincial political parties, constituency associations, or a registered candidate or leadership contestant
• The federal or provincial government
• A municipality or a school board

Contribution limits

The amount you receive from each contributor cannot exceed $1,200.

If a contributor decides to contribute to more than one candidate, the maximum total they can contribute to candidates running for the same council or school board is $5,000.

As a candidate, you are responsible for informing contributors of the contribution rules.

Financial Statements

After the election, you must disclose your campaign finance information to the City by filing a Financial Statement with the City Clerk’s Office.

All Financial Statements filed with the City are made available to the public according to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Campaign signs

There are rules about the placement and use of campaign signs. Make sure to read the Sign By-law to understand all the rules and requirements relating to campaign signs.

Election signs are permitted 30 days prior to Election Day which is October 24, 2022.

If you have questions about campaign signs, please contact the City of Mississauga’s Citizen Contact Centre by dialing 311 within City limits. If you are calling from outside of the City, please dial 905-615-4311.

Appointment of scrutineer

Candidates can appoint scrutineers to represent them at voting locations on voting days. A scrutineer observes the voting process at a voting location on the candidate’s behalf.

Check back in September 2022 for more information.