The CCF secured a victory for freedom of expression after the Town of Aylmer, Ontario, backed down from municipal election guidance that improperly restricted candidates’ free expression.
Ahead of the 2026 municipal election, the Town issued guidance prohibiting candidates from setting up booths in public parks, including at privately organized permitted events. The guidance also restricted candidates from deliberately featuring recognizable municipal assets, such as Town Hall, parks and other public facilities, in campaign materials, seriously limiting candidates’ ability to campaign on social media.
On August 7, 2026, CCF Counsel Alexander Surgenor wrote to the Town warning that its guidance was an unconstitutional and overbroad interpretation of By-Law 28-26. The CCF called on Aylmer to revise the guidance by August 20 to comply with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, failing which the CCF would consider further action.
Following the CCF’s warning, Aylmer revised the guidance – a win for political expression.
Aylmer Election Speech Restrictions
CCF Launch: August 7, 2026
Jurisdiction: Ontario
Status: Closed
Next Key Date:
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