Special interest groups are trying to influence voters as third-party advertisers (TPAs) in municipal elections. Not only is that a bad idea, it is a destructive one.

Municipal politics across Canada are party-free systems. Councillors and candidates do not identify as Liberal, Conservative, or NDP. That is because our duties include building roads, managing transit, and handling sewage — practical responsibilities that do not lend themselves to partisan ideologies.

Following changes to Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act, TPAs were first allowed to operate during Ottawa’s 2018 election. The intent was to let independent corporations, unions and individuals fund advertising campaigns to support or oppose candidates, rather than giving money directly to campaigns. Rules were established so groups with deep pockets could not drown out ordinary candidates and average citizens.

Over time, however, the TPA system has been weaponized to create slates that do not represent our cities. Instead of serving their original purpose, they have become Trojan Horses where self-serving groups masquerade as well-meaning advocates, manufacturing a partisan party system where none should exist.

As TPAs expanded across Canada, various businesses, separatist groups, and special........

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