Did you know that in December 2016 the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed Bill 45 Election Statue Law Amendment Act, 2016 which changes the rights of political canvassers in multi-unit residential buildings?
This new piece of legislation is very important with the Provincial Election period starting on May 9, 2018 (through to June 7, 2018). Owners or managers of multi-unit residential buildings are now required by law to grant a political candidate or their representatives access to common areas to distribute materials and canvass Residents. Access must be granted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
They have also imposed penalties for failing to provide access as required as follows:
$500 for the first contravention
$1,000 for the second contravention
$2,000 for the third and subsequent contravention
We have included several information sheets which are being circulated by Elections Ontario which provide for greater details about the obligations of a condominium corporation. We invite all Owners and Residents to review the attached so that they better understand what to expect from political canvassers during the upcoming election.
