Office openings often mark the start of the campaign season. They are a great chance to meet the candidate, their team, and fellow supporters.

Who Can Attend and Where

Office openings are usually open to everyone. Simply check the party’s or campaign’s website for event details and sign up. The event usually takes place at the campaign office. You’ll find the address on the event page or in an invitation email if you’re on the campaign’s mailing list.

Make sure not to go to the constituency office, even if the MP is the incumbent in that riding. The campaign office and the constituency office are different, and office opening events for the campaign occur at the campaign office. If you search for the office address on Google using the MP’s name, it’s usually the constituency office that appears first. At the beginning of the campaign, the campaign office might not even show up on Google Maps.

Action

Find an Campaign Office Opening

Often, office openings are posted on a party’s event page on their website. However, not all campaigns use these pages, and some parties do not typically allow each campaign to use their party’s event calendar. To confirm, it is recommended to check with each riding association, usually listed on the party’s website.

What to Expect

When you arrive, campaign staff will greet you. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are usually available. The program usually starts 20–30 minutes after the scheduled time, so don’t worry if it doesn’t begin exactly on time.

While waiting, many people chat with other supporters, staff, or the candidate. Campaign staff may also hand out forms for signing up for newsletters, volunteering, or making a donation. This is a good time to ask about volunteer opportunities.

When the program begins, the candidate will usually give a speech. Some campaigns may pass around a donation basket1. Under federal rules, anonymous cash donations are allowed, up to $20 per person, and only if made in person during the event. You cannot make multiple anonymous donations or donate on someone else’s behalf. After the speech, there is often a call for volunteer sign-ups. Sometimes, groups head out canvassing right after the event.

What to Wear

There’s no need to dress formally, as casual, community-appropriate clothing is perfectly fine. If you’d like a picture with the candidate, wear whatever you prefer for that. If you plan to go canvassing afterward, dress comfortably and be prepared to walk around the neighborhood for a few hours.

What to Bring

  • Small bills: If there’s a donation basket, bring up to $20 in cash.
  • ID: Usually not required, but bring it if instructed in the invitation
  • Smartphone and portable charger (if canvassing): For navigation and campaign apps.
  • Umbrella (if canvassing): If rain is in the forecast.
  • Water bottle (if canvassing): Especially in warm weather.

Key Takeaways from This Topic

Who can attend a campaign office opening?

Campaign office openings are open to everyone. You can find details and sign up on the party or candidate’s website. Just make sure you go to the campaign office, not the MP's constituency office.

Where do campaign office openings usually take place?

They take place at the campaign office. This is different from the MP’s constituency office, which often appears first in search results. The correct address is typically shared on the campaign's website or invitation emails.

How can I find a campaign office opening near me?

Check the events section of the party’s website or contact the local riding association directly. Not all campaigns post events online, so reaching out locally is often the best option.

What happens at a campaign office opening?

You'll be greeted by staff, enjoy light refreshments, and hear a speech from the candidate. You may be invited to volunteer or donate, and sometimes groups go canvassing right after the event.

Is it okay to bring a small cash donation to the event?

If the campaign accepts anonymous cash donations at the event, you can give up to $20 in cash anonymously, as long as it’s in person. You can’t make multiple anonymous donations at the same event or donate on someone else’s behalf.

What should I wear to a campaign office opening?

Casual, community-appropriate clothing is fine. If you want a photo with the candidate or plan to go canvassing after, dress accordingly and comfortably.

What should I bring to a campaign office opening?

Bring up to $20 in small bills for a possible donation, ID if required, and if canvassing, bring a smartphone, charger, umbrella, and water bottle.

References

  1. Anonymous Contributions, Elections Canada ↩

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