Kenora, Ont., fined for removing election signs during 2025 federal race

Kenora, Ont., is facing a $1,000 fine from the Commissioner of Canada Elections after the office said city bylaw officers removed election signs while candidates were still campaigning during the 2025 federal race. (Photo from City of Kenora Facebook)

Kenora, Ont., is facing a $1,000 fine from the Commissioner of Canada Elections after the office said city bylaw officers removed election signs while candidates were still campaigning during the 2025 federal race.

The office of the commissioner says it confirmed 102 election signs were removed by the City of Kenora without providing notice to the campaigns.

The removal of the signs violated a subsection of the Canada Elections Act that prohibits interfering with election advertising, the office says in a release, noting that doing so has a negative impact on a candidate’s Charter-protected right to run for office.

The release states a complaint was filed with the commissioner about the sign removals on April 24, 2025. The federal election was held four days later on April 28.

The office says election signs can be removed by public authorities when reasonable notice is given or the sign is a hazard to public safety -- neither of which were the case in Kenora.

The city has taken steps to avoid future violations, the office says, including updating guidance to bylaw staff and amending municipal bylaws.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2026.