As we draw closer to the October 2015 federal election, condominium corporations will see an influx of political candidates entering their buildings and knocking on unit doors to campaign and distribute election material. The federal Canada Elections Act permits candidates and their representatives to access condominium properties for door-to-door canvassing, and campaigning in the common elements, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These "reasonable access" rights are further reflected in section 118 of the Condominium Act, 1998 (Ontario).
While candidates are permitted to campaign in public areas, they do not have the right to attend AGM's, unless invited by the Chair of the meeting. With respect to signage, the Canada Elections Act provides that corporations cannot prevent owners from displaying election signs on their own units. However, owners and corporations do have the right to set reasonable conditions on the size and type of sign, and to prohibit indoor or outdoor signs on the common elements.
It would be prudent to remind your management team and all residents to anticipate knocks on their doors in the coming weeks, and that failing to permit reasonable access onto the property may result in a substantial fine.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
