You're exactly right, but if you actually look at that exemption, it applies to federal and provincial members who are applying. If you were, for example, trying to run for the leadership of a party, you'd be caught by CASL. But if you're running for municipal or regional government, you don't have the exemption so it discriminates very much in terms of the level of democracy that is protected.
I agree, nobody should have it...but in my view all politicians need to have it. It's essential for democracy that people who are running for office can reach out to potential constituents to be able to communicate their messages. It doesn't matter if it's federal or municipal, they should all be covered.