Policy Highlights for City Employees During Elections — City of Toronto

During a municipal, provincial or federal election or by-election, the Toronto Public Service By-Law (TPS By-Law) and the City’s policies related to elections are of particular importance to the members of the public service.

City employees who are not members of the public service, such as those working in the offices of Members of Council or in an Accountability Office, should review related applicable policies.

Toronto Public Service By-Law (TPS By-Law)

The TPS By-Law applies to City employees who are members of the Toronto Public Service and recognizes that most City employees have the right to engage in political activity during their personal time, with limitations on political activity at work. Specifically, City employees cannot:

• Use City resources while engaging in political activity.
• Engage in political activity during working hours or while wearing a City uniform.
• Wear clothing or buttons that advertise any candidate while at work or while wearing a City uniform.
• Use their title or position within the City in a way that would lead a member of the public to infer that the City is endorsing a candidate.

If an employee is unsure about the appropriateness of their participation in election-related political activity, such as campaigning for a candidate, they should consult their immediate supervisor, manager or Ethics Executive.

Policies and Resources

The following policies, protocols and resources guide City employees in complying with the TPS By-Law and other applicable policies during elections. A full list of election related policies and guidelines for City staff and divisions can be found on the City Clerk’s Toronto Elections intranet page.

• Toronto Public Service By-Law Political Activity Provisions
• Use of City Resources During Election Period Policy

Resources:

• City & Agency Employee Guides – Overview Political Activity Provisions
• City and Agency Employee Guide – Running For Political Office
• City and Agency Employee Guide – Political Campaigning
• TPS By-law Summary of Permitted and Restricted Political Activity 
• Online Course for City Staff: TPS By-law – Political Activity and Ethics Executives
• Political Activity Self-Assessment Tool
• Public Engagement Considerations During a Municipal Election
• Public Engagement Considerations During a Federal or Provincial Election