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TORONTO – The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) has written to the Town of Aylmer, Ontario, warning that its municipal election guidance violates candidates’ freedom of expression under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The letter can be read in full here.

CCF Counsel Alexander Surgenor outlines two concerns with the Town of Aylmer’s By-Law 28-26 and accompanying guidance. A July 31 Q&A document provided by the Town prohibits candidates from setting up booths in public parks, including at privately organized permitted events, despite courts recognizing parks as places where freedom of expression is protected.

The guidance document also restricts candidates from deliberately featuring recognizable municipal assets, such as Town Hall, parks and other public facilities, in campaign materials. This severely restricts candidates’ expressive rights, including their ability to campaign on social media.

“Public parks and public buildings belong to the public. Aylmer cannot use its election rules to arbitrarily restrict how and where candidates communicate with voters,” said Surgenor.

The CCF is requesting the Town update its Q&A document to comply with the Charter by August 20, 2026, failing which the CCF will consider further action.