Third Party Advertisers

Third Party Advertisers (TPAs) are persons, corporations or groups that raise or spend, or plan to raise or spend at least $1,000 on political advertising. Third parties meeting this criteria must register with Elections Alberta, follow advertising guidelines established by Elections Alberta, and comply with the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.

Effective November 2016, third parties are required to register separately for election advertising vs. political advertising:

Election Third Party Advertisers are only allowed to advertise during an election advertising period. Election Third Party Advertisers must report contributions on a weekly basis during an election and file election advertising returns within 6 months after Election Day. Audited reports are required if election advertising expenses are $100,000 or more. Election Third Party Advertisers are also subject to file annual advertising returns if they have an election surplus.

Political Third Party Advertisers are only allowed to advertise outside of an election advertising period. Political Third Party Advertisers must report advertising contributions on a quarterly basis and file annual political advertising returns by March 31 of the following year.

Definitions:

Original - Original version of financial statement as submitted, and list of contributor names and amounts for contributions over $250 in aggregate as applicable (Prior to January 1, 2013 the contribution disclosure threshold was over $375)

Original Not Available - Financial statement has not been submitted or may be in the process of being published

Final - Finalized version of financial statement, and list of contributor names and amounts for contributions over $250 in aggregate as applicable, following Elections Alberta's review and any adjustments made (Prior to January 1, 2013 the contribution disclosure threshold was over $375)

Final Not Available - Financial statement is under review