GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO PROPOSES NEW ADVERTISING ACT
By Adnews Staff
The Government of Ontario is proposing to ban partisan advertising under the Government Advertising Act, 2003. The act, if passed, would require the Provincial Auditor to review government advertising in advance ensuring it meets a number of standards. Ads developed to run on television, radio, billboards and in print would have to be reviewed. Under the proposed act, ads would have to inform the public of current or proposed government polices, inform the public of their rights and responsibilities, encourage or discourage specific social behaviours and promote the province as a good place to live, work, invest, study or visit. Additionally, ads would have to state they are paid for by the Ontario Government and would not be allowed to include the name, voice or image of a member of the Executive Council or a member of the Assembly. The standards would also apply to any printed materials that would distribute by bulk mail. Exceptions to the act would apply to advertising for urgent matters affecting public health or safety, public notices that are required by law, Government of Ontario tenders and job ads.