Campaign 2026: the rules that apply to third-party interventions

People, businesses, unions, associations and other groups that are neither parties nor candidates are considered **third parties** when they take part in the election debate. Élections Québec points out that their interventions are restricted during the election period. Spending done to directly or indirectly favour or oppose a party or a candidate may constitute a regulated election expense. The rules may also cover promoting or challenging a program, policy or measure associated with a political party. This does not mean that all political discussion is prohibited. The rules depend, among other things, on the nature of the intervention, the amount spent and the timing. Specific provisions also govern partisan advertising and certain pre-election activities in 2026. Élections Québec indicates that the fixed-date election period would begin after the writ is issued and end on October 5. The exact calendar depends on when the election is called. An individual or organization planning to buy advertising, run a public campaign or incur expenses tied to the election debate should check the rules directly with Élections Québec. This article summarizes the general framework; it does not replace legal advice or the official directives that apply to a specific situation.