Frequently Asked Questions

Third Party Advertising is a way for others outside the candidate campaign to express support or opposition for candidates with the intent to incur expenses or contributions of at least $1,000. It does not include candidates and is separate from any candidate’s campaign. Advertisements or materials that are made and distributed by a candidate or under a candidate’s direction are part of the candidate’s campaign.

Third parties that intend to engage in election advertising are required to register with the City of St. Albert in accordance with Part 8 of the LAEA.

What if I need to change the information on my registration form?

Third Party Advertisers must notify the City of St. Albert in writing of any changes to the required information within 30 days after the change. Email the details of the change to election@stalbert.ca

Are there any name restrictions for a Third Party Advertiser?

In accordance with the LAEA, Section 163(5), a Third Party Advertiser will not be allowed to register if its proposed name or abbreviations of the name include one of the following:

Resembles the name of a registered Third Party Advertiser.
Resembles the name or nickname of a candidate active in the City of St. Albert or anywhere in the province, where confusion is likely.
The proposed name was the name of a registered third party whose registration with the City of St. Albert was cancelled or whose name was changed since the last election.

What are the Limitations to Contributions?

Contribution(s) may not exceed $5,000 in total. For example, an individual may contribute $1,000 to three (3) different Third Party Advertisers.

Their total contributions, however, cannot exceed $5,000.

How long must Third Party Advertisers retain records from the 2025 Municipal Election?

Records must be retained for three years (until March 1, 2028). However, refer to the LAEA, Section 185 for further details and clarification.

What is Election Advertising?

In accordance with the LAEA, Section 162(d), Election Advertising is the transmission to the public of an advertising message that promotes or opposes a candidate or takes position on an issue that is the subject of a vote on a bylaw or question

Election Advertising includes:

Canvassing for the benefit of a candidate.
Organizing events where the primary purpose of the event is to promote or oppose a candidate.
TV, radio, newspaper ads.
Signs, billboards, posters.
Newsletters, brochures, mailing inserts.
Ads on the internet with a placement cost (pay-per-click, paid social media, pop-up ads, etc.).

Election advertising does NOT include:

Editorial, debate, speech, interview, column, letter, news.
Book distribution or promotion.
Communication by a corporation to employees or shareholders.
Sharing political views on the internet (blogs, posts on social media that are not paid).
Phone calls encouraging voter participation.
Advertising by local jurisdictions (e.g., The City of St. Albert).
Unintended information/advertising in another jurisdiction.

What are the Advertising Requirements?

As required in the  LAEA, Section 179, all Third Party Advertisers sponsored election advertising must include the following three elements:

Third Party Advertisers Name
Contact Information.
Indicate whether the third party authorizes the election advertising.

Additional Requirements can be found under Section 179(b) and (c) of the LAEA.

Does a Third Party Advertiser require an expense advertising account?

All election advertising expenses must be paid from the Third Party Advertiser's advertising account.

Every Third Party Advertiser must appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and all expenses must be authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for their delegate.

How are Campaign Contributions and Third Party Advertiser advertising different?

Campaign Contributions	Third Party Advertiser Contributions
Contribution is made directly to a Nominated Candidate’s campaign.	Contribution is made directly to Third Party Advertiser.
Only individuals who live in Alberta contribute to a Candidate’s campaign.	Only individuals, groups or corporations who reside and operate in Alberta can contribute to a Third Party Advertiser.
Eligible individuals can contribute up to $5,000 in total to a Candidate’s campaign	Eligible individuals, Corporations or Groups can contribute up to $5,000 to a registered Third Party Advertiser.

Please check back regularly as information on this page is subject to change and/or additional information may be posted. This information is provided as a courtesy to candidates and the City of St. Albert is in no way responsible for errors or omissions. Please consult the Local Authorities Election Act as a comprehensive guide to the election and the changes within. It is the responsibility of the candidate to read and understand the legislation and bylaw(s) concerning this election.

Last edited: February 3, 2025

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