Can OPS members get involved during a provincial election? YES!
Just like everyone else living in Ontario, you have the right to take part in the democratic process.Here are some great examples of what you can do!
Talk to your coworkers about why this election matters.The outcome of this election will impact every single OPS member. You can talk about the election before and after work, during breaks and lunch (if you work from home) and so long as you’re not in uniform and you are not using your work computer, software, or phone etc.
Make a plan to vote – and encourage your friends, family and coworkers to do so too!Did you know that the 2022 Ontario provincial election had the lowest voter turnout in the province’s history? Now, with a snap election in the middle of winter, OPSEU/SEFPO members are working together to make sure that record isn’t broken again in 2025.
Volunteer!
Sign-up to volunteer alongside other OPSEU/SEFPO members to get involved in boosting voter participation or find a local candidate to support. You can sign up for phone banking, canvassing, and more!
For more information on OPSEU/SEFPO’s election campaign and how you can get involved, click here. What is political activity?
The Public Service of Ontario Act (PSOA) defines “political activity” as doing anything to support or oppose a political party or candidate. An OPS employee is also engaged in political activity if they comment publicly on matters that are a) directly related to their job and b) addressed in the platforms and positions of political parties and candidates.
What political activities can OPS employees engage in?
OPS employees can vote, donate, join political parties, talk to candidates, attend all-candidates’ meetings, canvass for a candidate, volunteer on a campaign and so on (with some exceptions including mostly upper management, Crown Attorneys, and the like).All Ontarians have a Charter-protected right to freedom of expression, and OPSEU/SEFPO has pushed back against employer attempts to discipline members for
private activities on private time. What are the restrictions on political activity?
Most PSOA restrictions on political activity are not all that different from what any employer might prohibit in a workplace. Here is specifically what OPS employees cannot do:
- OPS employees cannot engage in political activity in the workplace;
- They cannot engage in political activity while in uniform;
- They cannot use government premises, equipment, or supplies for political activity;
- They cannot “associate their position with political activity.”
There are other restrictions within the PSOA related to becoming a political candidate, fundraising, and activities that interfere with your duties as an OPS employee.To read the Public Service of Ontario Act, search for “political activity” in the legislation, available
here.
Example of what you can do as an OPS employee:While at work, take advantage of breaks (including the lunch hour) to talk to your coworkers about the importance of voting in this election without advocating for a particular party or candidate.After work (and a change of clothes if you wear a uniform!) pick up leaflets at a local campaign office or OPSEU/SEFPO regional office and go door-to-door to talk to voters about the election
or participate in a phone bank.
On February 27
th, you can exercise your democratic right by voting for the party and candidate of your choice. None of these activities are restricted by the PSOA.
Example of what not to do as an OPS employee: While at work and/or wearing their uniform, OPS Unified members should not be going into work, telling their co-workers to vote for the XYZ Party, or using the office photocopier to print leaflets for that party. Similarly, even when not working, OPS members should not be going door-to-door in your work uniform or telling the public that you are an Ontario Government employee. These would all be restricted activities.
What about social media?
The Act does not mention social media. Still, it is reasonable to assume that the ban on associating your OPS job with political activity still applies.
Always assume that all social media posts are public and may be visible to your employer.
