IAMAW members need to be very active in this upcoming Federal Election.
The Canada Elections Act, amended in 2018, sets out the rules on union activities and communications during Federal elections. Below are the main points to remember.
Third Party Advertising: During Pre-election and the Election.
- Any IAMAW District or Local that spends any money on advertising or partisan activities after June 30, 2019 must keep a record of such expenditures.
- Spending limits apply to partisan activities, advertising and election surveys.
- The IAMAW does not consider member-to-member communications, which are not directed at the general public to be advertising or partisan activities.
Member-to-member activity.
- While there are limits on communicating with the general public, or helping candidates and political parties, the Canadian Office, Districts, and Locals are free to engage in any political communications, or engagement with our IAMAW members.
Newsletters, leaflets, emails, social media and text messaging.
- There are no restrictions on the use of email, newsletters, leaflets, social media, and text messages as long as we are communicating directly with our IAMAW members and not the public.
Working on Campaigns.
- IAMAW members can work on campaigns as volunteers after work hours by using unpaid leave, or vacation.
- Unions cannot release staff to work on campaigns.
Individual IAMAW members can donate.
- Unions are not permitted to make any financial contributions to candidates, or federal parties.
Websites, Facebook and social Media
- Union websites, Facebook and social media channels used to promote political action is permitted as long as the content posted is organic; in other words, no payments are made to sponsor or boost the content.
For further information visit: www.elections.ca
Derek Ferguson
GLR, Political Action