ONTARIO PASSES GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING ACT
By Adnews Staff
The Government of Ontario passed a law called the Government Advertising Act today which bans partisan advertising by the government. Upon proclamation, the law will require the Office of the Auditor General to screen all proposed government advertising and bulk mail materials to ensure they do not "foster a positive impression of the governing party or a negative impression of any group critical of the government." The name, image or voice of any government member cannot be used in advertising directed at an Ontario audience under this law. Also, the Auditor General will produce an annual report on the cost of government advertising and any breaches of the act. "The bottom line is that any advertisement deemed by the Auditor General's office to promote partisan interests will never see the light of day," said Management Board chair Gerry Phillips. According to Phillips, the aim of the law is to make government more accountable, transparent and fiscally responsible. To meet the requirements of the act, proposed advertising must do one of the following: inform the public of government policies or services, inform the public of rights and responsibilities, encourage or discourage specific social behaviours in the public interest, promote Ontario as a good place to be, or promote economic activity in the province. The ad must also include a statement that it is paid for by the Government of Ontario. Advertising about urgent public health or safety issues, public notices required by law, government tenders and job ads will be exempt from the law. Also, ads placed by the offices of Members of Provincial Parliament are not covered by this legislation.