Campaign and Expense Contribution Bylaw

This page summarizes the Town of Morris rules for candidate campaign contributions and expenses. It is a guide only—please refer to the official by-law and legislation for full requirements.

Download the By-law: Campaign & Expense Contribution By-law (PDF)

Who This Applies To

• All municipal election candidates (Mayor and Councillor)
• Any person or organization making a campaign contribution
• Official agents and campaign teams handling campaign finances

Key Definitions

• Contribution: Money, goods, or services given to a campaign without compensation.
• Expense: Any cost incurred to promote or oppose a candidate.
• Campaign period: The dates set out in the by-law/legislation during which contributions may be accepted and expenses incurred.

Contribution Rules (Summary)

• Only accept contributions during the campaign period and after registering as a prospective candidate.
• Each contributor must be an eligible person/entity as defined by law.
• Do not accept anonymous or ineligible contributions. Return or remit as directed in the by-law/legislation.
• Issue receipts and record the name, address, date, and amount for each contribution as required.
• Respect any per-donor limits (dollar caps) and overall rules on in-kind contributions.

Spending Rules (Summary)

• Only incur expenses during the campaign period.
• Follow any spending limits outlined by by-law/legislation.
• Keep invoices/receipts and a record of all goods/services purchased or donated in-kind.
• Election communications (print, digital, signage) must follow identification and signage rules.

Record-Keeping

• Maintain a campaign account of all contributions and expenses.
• Keep supporting documentation (receipts, invoices, bank records, signed contribution forms).
• Retain records for the period specified in the by-law/legislation.

Reporting & Deadlines

File the required financial statement(s) by the deadline set in the by-law/legislation.

• Financial Statement Due: [Insert deadline once confirmed]
• Deficit/Surplus Handling: Follow the process in the by-law.
• Late or missing filings may result in penalties or ineligibility in future elections.

Prohibited Contributions (Examples)

• Anonymous contributions over the permitted threshold
• Contributions from sources prohibited by legislation
• Contributions accepted outside the campaign period or before registration

Enforcement & Penalties

Non-compliance may lead to penalties set out in the by-law/legislation, including fines and ineligibility provisions.

Forms & Resources

• Candidate Financial Statement (PDF)
• Contribution Receipt Template (PDF)
• Campaign Signage Guidelines (PDF)

Questions?

Senior Election Official (SEO)
Town of Morris
Phone: 204-746-2531 • Email: cao@townofmorris.ca