Draft July 9, 2008

Information Sheet XX

The Purchase of Advertising Spaceat Political Events

(Date)

DISCLAIMERThese information sheets set out Elections Canada’s interpretation of the

Canada Elections Act

and are issued to assist political entities in understanding the Act. Theviews expressed in the information sheets are not law and are not intended to replace theofficial text of the Act. How the Act applies to any particular case will depend on theindividual circumstances of that case.Should you have any questions or comments with regard to this particular informationsheet, please send us an e-mail at …………@elections.ca

Draft July 9, 2008

Table of ContentsIntroduction...................................................................................................1

The Legislative Context................................................................................1

The Purchase of Advertising Space at Political Events............................2

Draft July 9, 2008

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Introduction

1. Elections Canada is often asked questions concerning the “sponsoring”of events by corporations or other entities or the purchasing of “visibility” at political events. This type of transaction can lead toillegal contributions being made. This information sheet aims atclarifying which transactions meet the requirements of the

Canada Elections Act

The Legislative Context

Only individuals may make contributions.3.

Contributions can be monetary or non-monetary in nature. The Actdefines a monetary contribution as “an amount of money provided it isnot repayable.” It defines a non-monetary contribution as “thecommercial value of a service, other than volunteer labour, or of property or of the use of property or money to the extent that theyareprovided without charge or at less than their commercial value.”

Therefore, if a political entity receives property or a service for free orfor less than commercial value, the difference between the commercialvalue and the amount paid is a non-monetary contribution.5.

These principles guide Elections Canada’s treatment of questionsregarding “sponsorships,” the selling of “visibility” or the plain sale of advertising space to corporations or other entities in the context of political events, including fundraising events.

S. 2. Also see the definition of “commercial value” in that section. As well, see the soon-to-be-publishedinformation sheet entitled