Election Law

With the recent amendments to the federal and provincial election laws, the rules of the game have significantly changed. Unions and other organizations must be acutely aware of the limits which have been placed on their spending for elections. Moreover, the law relating to contributions to political parties and candidates has been fundamentally altered. The new laws are a "minefield" of problems for anyone wishing to participate in the election process. The laws are unclear and are fraught with ambiguity for anyone trying to understand their effect. Moreover, the new laws clearly infringe upon freedom of expression and association and will no doubt be challenged in the future by interested parties.

Our services include advising clients on the application of election laws in respect of such issues as political advertising, elections expenses, election activities of trade unions and its members during election campaigns, spending limits etc.

Notable representations include bringing a Charter challenge to the new Ontario election finance law respecting freedom of expression and freedom of association on behalf of a group of trade unions.