Political Entities

What is a registered party?
Since 1974, political parties have had the option of registering with the Chief Electoral Officer. Registration offers political parties status under the Canada Elections Act and brings with it certain obligations and benefits. Click here for more information about this subject.

Which political parties are registered?
Click here for a complete list of registered parties, their leaders and their national headquarters addresses.

What is a third party?
A third party is defined as a person or group, other than a candidate, registered party or electoral district association of a registered party., A third party that has incurred election advertising expenses of a total amount of $500 must immediately register with the Chief Electoral Officer, after the writs are issued. However, if a third party is an individual or a group, it is prohibited from incurring election advertising expenses of a total of $500 or more in relation to a particular election unless the individual or a person responsible for the group is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or resides in Canada. If the third party is a corporation, it is prohibited from incurring election advertising expenses of a total of $500 or more in relation to a particular election unless it carries on business in Canada.