ARCHIVED - RPP 2007-2008
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

This page has been archived.

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The Honourable Peter Van Loan, PC, MP
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and
Minister for Democratic Reform

Marc Mayrand
Chief Electoral Officer of Canada

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Management Representation Statement

Section I – Overview

• Summary Information
• Elections Canada's Plans and Priorities

Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Section III – Supplementary Information

• Elections Canada's Organization and Accountability
• Elections Canada's Organizational Structure
• Financial Information
• Contacts for Further Information

 

Management Representation Statement

I submit, for tabling in Parliament, the 2007–2008 Report on Plans and Priorities for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2007–2008 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports:

• It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the Treasury Board Secretariat guidance.
• It is based on the agency's strategic outcomes and Program Activity Architecture that were approved by the Treasury Board.
• It presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced and reliable information.
• It provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities entrusted to the agency.
• It reports finances based on approved planned spending numbers from the Treasury Board Secretariat.

_______________________________
Marc Mayrand
Chief Electoral Officer of Canada

 

Section I – Overview

Summary Information

About Elections Canada

Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament. Its responsibilities include ensuring that all voters have access to the electoral process, providing information and education programs to citizens about the electoral system, maintaining the National Register of Electors, enforcing electoral legislation and maintaining readiness to conduct electoral events.

The agency is also responsible for registering political entities, including political parties, electoral district associations and third parties that engage in election advertising; administering the allowances and reimbursements paid to eligible political entities; monitoring compliance with the Canada Elections Act; and disclosing information on political parties, electoral district associations, candidates, nomination contestants, leadership contestants and third parties, including their financial returns.

In addition, the agency proposes to Parliament amendments that are desirable for the better administration of the Canada Elections Act. It does this through the official reports of the Chief Electoral Officer after electoral events, as well as through the provision of expert technical advice when Parliament studies electoral reform.

Finally, the agency provides support services to the independent commissions responsible for conducting and reporting on the readjustment of the provinces' representation in the House of Commons every 10 years, and it reports to Parliament on the administration of elections and referendums.

Mandate: Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament. It must be prepared at all times to conduct federal general elections, by-elections and referendums. It must also carry out voter education and information programs, and provide support to the federal electoral boundaries commissions that are established to adjust the boundaries of federal electoral districts following each decennial census.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
104,422	104,422	104,422

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
387	387	387

Agency Priorities

Name	Type
1. Electoral Event Delivery and Political Financing, and Compliance and Enforcement To deliver federal elections, by-elections and referendums that maintain the integrity of the electoral process, and to administer the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act.	Ongoing
2. Event Readiness and Improvements To achieve and maintain a state of readiness to deliver electoral events whenever they may be called, and to improve the delivery of electoral events.	Ongoing
3. Public Education, Information and Support for Stakeholders To provide timely and high-quality public education and information programs, and assurance that support on electoral matters is available to the public, parliamentarians, political entities and other stakeholders.	Ongoing

Note:

The agency's fourth priority, electoral boundaries redistribution, was last completed in 2003–04. Once we receive the 2011 Census return, redistribution will begin again.

Elections Canada's Plans and Priorities

What's New

Since our last report to Parliament, there are seven new elements that will guide our plans and priorities for 2007–08.

1. For the first time in 40 years and only the second time in the history of Canada's electoral system, Canadian voters elected a second consecutive minority government on January 23, 2006. Such an event has tremendous implications for the activities of the agency. It requires that we remain in a heightened state of readiness for a general election that could be called at any time.
2. On May 12, 2006, the Chief Electoral Officer submitted to Parliament a report entitled Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada on the 39th General Election of January 23, 2006. The report covers the period from the wrap-up for the 38th general election of June 28, 2004, through part of the wrap-up for the 39th general election of January 23, 2006. The Chief Electoral Officer's report was filed in accordance with subsection 534(1) of the Canada Elections Act.
   
   
   

   For the Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada on the 39th General Election of January 23, 2006, visit: www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&dir=rep/re2/ sta_2006&document=index&lang=e&textonly=false

   
   
   

   This symbol of a computer mouse indicates that more detailed information is available at www.elections.ca or on another Web site.

   
   
3. By-elections were held on November 27, 2006, in the electoral districts of Repentigny (Quebec) and London North Centre (Ontario). The Chief Electoral Officer's report on the by-elections is expected to be submitted to Parliament by March 31, 2007. It will detail a number of new initiatives implemented in the by-elections that will now be applied in conducting future general elections.
   
   
   

   For the results of the by-election in Repentigny, visit: http://enr.elections.ca/ElectoralDistricts-eng.aspx?ed=1512

   
   
   

   For the results of the by-election in London North Centre, visit: http://enr.elections.ca/ElectoralDistricts-eng.aspx?ed=1382

   
   
4. Bill C-2, the Federal Accountability Act, received royal assent on December 12, 2006. The Act reduces the limits on election-related contributions from individuals and prohibits contributions from any other entity. In addition, candidates are prohibited from accepting any gift or other advantage that might appear to have been given to influence them in the performance of their duties if elected to the House of Commons. Effective June 12, 2007, candidates must make a confidential report to the Chief Electoral Officer after each election on any gifts received. The Act also provides for the appointment of returning officers by the Chief Electoral Officer. The appointment process is based on merit, and returning officers will be appointed for a period of 10 years. Bill C-2 makes the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer subject to the Access to Information Act. As well, the Act transfers responsibility for conducting prosecutions for offences under the Canada Elections Act from the Commissioner of Canada Elections to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
5. Bill C-31, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Public Service Employment Act, received first reading in the House of Commons on October 24, 2006. The bill was tabled in response to recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, as well as other matters that the Committee wished to address. Bill C-31 introduces significant changes for electors, including a requirement to prove both their identify and address of residence at the polls. Other proposed amendments affect many sections of the Canada Elections Act, including those pertaining to the National Register of Electors, elector registration and lists of electors.
6. Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act, was tabled in the House of Commons and received first reading on May 30, 2006. The bill amends the Canada Elections Act to introduce fixed election dates at the federal level in Canada. It provides that unless Parliament has been dissolved at an earlier date, a general election must be held on the third Monday in October in the fourth calendar year following election day for the last general election. The first general election after the bill comes into force would be held on Monday, October 19, 2009. If the Chief Electoral Officer is of the opinion that the day set for election day is not suitable, the bill also allows for him or her to recommend an alternative day to the Governor in Council – for example, if the day set is in conflict with a day of cultural or religious significance, or a provincial or municipal election. The alternative day must be either the Tuesday immediately following the Monday that would otherwise be election day, or the Monday of the following week. The bill was debated at second reading in the House of Commons on September 18 and 19, 2006, and passed that stage on September 19. The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs held meetings to consider the bill on September 26 and 28 and October 3, 5 and 24; it reported the bill to the House of Commons without amendment on October 25, 2006. Bill C-16 received third reading in the House on November 6, 2006, and is now being reviewed by the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
7. Bill C-43, the Senate Appointment Consultations Act, was tabled in the House of Commons on December 13, 2006. The bill provides a comprehensive process for formal consultation with Canadians from one or several provinces concerning the filling of vacancies in the Senate. The Chief Electoral Officer would administer the consultation at the same time as either a federal or a provincial general election. Although the bill proposes that the consultation would be governed by many of the same rules applying to a general election, it requires Elections Canada to implement two new electoral systems within a two-year period following royal assent: the agency would have one year after royal assent to be ready to conduct a Senate consultation using a plurality-at-large voting system and two years to implement a process for conducting the Senate consultation using a single-transferable-vote system.

Our Purpose

Canada's political system is grounded in participation. In taking part in the electoral process, Canadians strengthen their connections with democratic decision making and demonstrate interest in the future development of their country. Elections Canada is dedicated to helping Canadians exercise their democratic right to vote. We aim to make voting as accessible as possible by reaching out to all potential voters, and by maximizing our use of proven technology to deliver additional benefits and efficiencies to the electoral process.

Enhanced participation may be achieved partly through the successful execution of our responsibilities, which include the administration of federal elections, by-elections and referendums; making sure that all voters have access to the electoral process; informing citizens about the electoral system; maintaining and improving the National Register of Electors; and enforcing electoral legislation.

Elections Canada is also responsible for appointing, training and supporting election officers¹ and temporary election staff in Ottawa; developing and maintaining electoral geography information used for the production of maps and other geographic products; and registering political parties, electoral district associations and third parties that engage in election advertising. The management of the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act is a task performed both on an ongoing basis and during electoral events. We administer the allowances paid to registered political parties; monitor election spending by candidates, political parties and third parties; and administer election reimbursements to candidates and political parties. Finally, we publish financial information on political parties, electoral district associations, candidates, nomination contestants, leadership contestants and third parties.

The agency also supports the independent commissions responsible for adjusting the boundaries of federal electoral districts every 10 years, and reporting to Parliament on the administration of elections and referendums.

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¹ Election officers include returning officers, their assistants and personnel, as well as some 190,000 poll officials hired by them, during an electoral event.

Our Funding

As an independent agency of Parliament, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer is funded by an annual appropriation that provides for the salaries of permanent full-time staff, and by the statutory authority contained in the Canada Elections Act, the Referendum Act and the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. The statutory authority provides for all other expenditures, including the costs of electoral events, maintenance of the National Register of Electors, quarterly allowances for eligible political parties, redistribution of electoral boundaries and continuing public information and education programs. There are two further statutory items: the salary of the Chief Electoral Officer and contributions to employee benefit plans.

The statutory authority ensures that Elections Canada has the capacity to be ready at all times to conduct an electoral event. It also serves to recognize Elections Canada's independence from the government and from the influence of political parties. It is a critical component in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process in Canada.

Risks and Challenges

Readiness

Under Canada's parliamentary system, the length of time between federal general elections until now has not been fixed, although legislation recently tabled in Parliament (Bill C-16) proposes that a general election be held on the third Monday in October every four years, as a general rule. At present, under the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the House of Commons cannot sit for longer than five years except in times of real or apprehended war, invasion or insurrection.

This means that the length of Elections Canada's business cycle varies, and the uncertainty makes planning a challenge. We must be ready at all times to deliver an electoral event, whether it is a by-election, general election or referendum. At the same time, we must strive to improve the management and administration of the electoral process. As we approach the end of the readiness cycle, it becomes increasingly difficult to introduce changes to the electoral process because all elements – from manuals to systems – must be integrated and available at the call of an electoral event. Consequently, we continually monitor parliamentary and political events and trends; this is necessary for us to take into account circumstances that might affect our electoral readiness and preparations for electoral events.

A minority government was the outcome of the 39th general election of January 23, 2006, as well as the 38th general election of June 28, 2004. Once again, for 2007–08 Elections Canada is giving highest priority to maintaining a state of readiness for conducting a major electoral event. Historical averages suggest that this could occur much sooner than would be the case under a majority government.

Length of Term of Canada's Minority Governments, 1921–2006
Year of election	Party of government	Length of term (from return of the election writs to the dissolution of Parliament)
1921	Liberal	3 years, 7 months, 21 days (1,329 days)
1925	Liberal	6 months, 25 days (207 days)
1957	Conservative	5 months, 24 days (177 days)
1962	Conservative	6 months, 19 days (203 days)
1963	Liberal	2 years, 4 months (854 days)
1965	Liberal	2 years, 4 months, 14 days (866 days)
1972	Liberal	1 year, 5 months, 19 days (535 days)
1979	Conservative	6 months, 3 days (186 days)
2004	Liberal	1 year, 4 months, 10 days (498 days)
2006	Conservative	ongoing

Maintaining a constant state of heightened readiness imposes a particular strain on the agency. Elections Canada must be able to sustain its full organizational capacity over time, for both its human resources and the technology that supports the electoral process. The agency must provide the support needed by its workforce to remain productive and motivated, while it continues to provide deliverables and maintain standards. In the coming year, we must pay special attention to retaining and replacing key staff members. We must make investments now to renew our technology infrastructure, since our current technology is nearing the end of its lifespan. At the same time, we must continue to work on strategic objectives and key programs to make ongoing and longer-term improvements and enhancements to Canada's electoral process in areas such as voter outreach and voter registration.

Scale of Operations

Canada is a vast country, and the agency is responsible for providing timely information and convenient voting opportunities to a large electorate; this numbered 23,054,615 (registered electors) as of the conclusion of the 39th general election. These factors pose a constant challenge that affects the size of the agency during an election. As a general election approaches, the number of employees, including term and casual workers, may grow from 330 to more than 600 at Elections Canada in Ottawa. This number excludes employment agency staff and consultants hired for the election. Returning officers have the task of hiring approximately 190,000 additional temporary workers to support the electoral process in some 19,000 polling locations across the country. To all these people we must provide training, supervision, training materials, supplies and administrative support. Meeting these duties requires a team that is multi-skilled and multi-talented.

We must develop thorough and efficient business continuity plans to deal with potential major incidents – such as storms, power outages, pandemics or other natural or human-caused threats – that could disrupt the voting process, stakeholders and the administration of an electoral event.

Since the coming into force of the relevant provisions of the Federal Accountability Act on February 10, 2007, the Chief Electoral Officer is mandated to appoint returning officers and provide them with training and training materials, operational procedures, voter information and outreach programs, tools, and other support systems and mechanisms. Training programs provided to new returning officers take into account key principles of electoral management and rely on an integrated approach. Field liaison officers appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer actively participate in the process of hiring returning officers, and provide them with assistance and guidance during and between elections. In addition, during an election period, field liaison officers provide daily field management reports to Elections Canada in Ottawa, enabling it to intervene should a significant problem occur.

Other factors that can influence our performance include:

• high elector mobility (more than 13 percent of all Canadians change address each year)
• a steady increase in the number of electors over the age of 65 and the implications this has on accessibility
• increased social, cultural and linguistic diversity; one Canadian in five was born outside Canada, and many are unfamiliar with our democratic institutions

Legislation

Our planning must also take into consideration proposed amendments to electoral legislation under consideration by Parliament. For many of these bills, the Chief Electoral Officer is called to appear before the relevant committee of the House of Commons and/or the Senate. The agency prepares a thorough analysis of the proposed changes, and plans for their implementation should the changes be adopted. Currently before Parliament are bills C-16, C-31 and C-43.

Some private members' bills may affect the planning for electoral events as well.

• Bill C-203, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (telephone, fax and Internet service to campaign offices) was tabled in the House of Commons on April 6, 2006. It calls for telephone, fax and Internet service to be provided in a timely manner to the campaign offices of each and every candidate in all federal elections and in all parties. It remains at first reading.
• Bill C-318, An Act to provide for a House of Commons committee to study proportional representation in federal elections, was tabled in the House of Commons on June 6, 2006. It calls for the consideration of proportional representation in elections to the House of Commons. It remains at first reading.
• Bill C-329, An Act to amend the Referendum Act (reform of the electoral system of Canada), was tabled in the House on June 19, 2006. It would amend the Referendum Act to allow the holding of a referendum on any question relating to the reform of Canada's electoral system.
• Nine separate private members' bills before the House seek to change the names of certain electoral districts.

Elections Canada monitors proceedings in Parliament so that it can be prepared to act if and when new legislation is tabled dealing with any of the items identified or other matters.

Judicial Decisions

Last, in our electoral planning and election delivery, the agency must take into account judicial decisions that affect electoral legislation.

At present only one case, Longley v. Canada (Attorney General), has the potential to affect the administration of the Canada Elections Act. The case deals with the allowance paid quarterly to certain parties.

Under section 435.01 of the Canada Elections Act, registered parties that received at least 2 percent of the national vote or 5 percent of the vote in the districts in which they endorsed a candidate are eligible for a quarterly allowance.

Soon after the creation of the direct public funding regime, registered parties that did not meet these eligibility requirements challenged its constitutionality. On the basis of the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Figueroa v. Canada (Attorney General), the plaintiffs argued that the eligibility requirements for a quarterly allowance were unconstitutional because they placed a burden on their members' right to be candidates and on the public's right to vote.

On October 12, 2006, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a decision in Longley v. Canada (Attorney General). Mr. Justice J. Matlow ruled that the threshold for the allowance violated section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and could not be justified by section 1 of the Charter. The decision stated that the public funding was intended to encourage individuals to participate in the election but that as a result of the threshold, "the quality and vigour of Canadian democracy suffers because such a threshold effectively discourages individuals who do not support one of the larger parties from participating in the electoral process."

The Court also found that by favouring certain parties, the threshold diminished public confidence in the electoral process, "and encourages a public perception that the threshold exists only to benefit the major political parties who alternate, from time to time, in forming the government and are in a position to maintain it." The decision of the Superior Court of Justice has been appealed to the Ontario Court of Appeal. The government has requested a stay of the order until the appeal has been decided; its application is scheduled to be heard on February 26, 2007. Depending on the outcome of this request, the Chief Electoral Officer will decide how to administer the relevant provisions of the Canada Elections Act.

Strategic Relationships

Partnerships among various levels of government are increasingly common in Canada. Elections Canada depends on the co-operation of many partners to achieve a successful strategic outcome benefiting Canadians. The scale of our partnership agreements will vary from one fiscal year to another, depending on whether (as in 2005–06) a general election is conducted or one or more by-elections are held within a particular year.

Another factor is whether other strategic initiatives have been undertaken during a given year.

Several key partners assist us in maintaining election readiness:

• When authorized by law or with the consent of the individuals to whom the information relates, the Canada Revenue Agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Canada Post Corporation provide data for updating the National Register of Electors, as do provincial and territorial driver's licence and vital statistics bureaus and electoral agencies.
• With Statistics Canada, we share responsibility for the National Geographic Database. This contains street names, address ranges and names of other geographic features, providing location-based (geo-spatial) information. We are now exploring the possibility of data enhancement and alignment with other data providers at the provincial and national level. The aim is to facilitate maintenance and data sharing of common geo-spatial information.

The Canada Elections Act authorizes the sharing of lists of electors produced from the Register with provincial and municipal electoral agencies with which Elections Canada has agreements, for their electoral purposes. Those agencies in turn provide revised lists, which we then use to update the Register.

Our relationships with several federal and provincial government organizations assist us in delivering electoral events:

• The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada provides information about the right to vote and the electoral process, distributes registration forms and guides for voting by special ballot, makes available the names of confirmed candidates and receives completed registration forms and completed special ballots for forwarding to Ottawa.
• The Department of National Defence coordinates the vote of Canadian Forces members during a general election.
• The Correctional Service of Canada and provincial corrections authorities help administer the registration and voting of incarcerated electors.
• Passport Canada distributes information on how Canadian electors can register and vote from abroad.
• To support election officers during electoral events, qualified personnel – some of them recommended by provincial electoral agencies, and others having extensive electoral experience both provincially and federally – are brought to Ottawa from all parts of Canada and trained in due time by Elections Canada.
• Elections Canada maintains relationships with Environment Canada, the Government Operations Centre, and provincial and territorial electoral management bodies to ensure that we receive all available information on severe weather-related incidents, natural disasters or other situations that might affect the holding of an electoral event on a national and/or regional level.
• Elections Canada receives the support and assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Sûreté du Québec and municipal police forces across Canada to ensure the security of electors, agency staff, temporary workers and polling sites.

These ongoing partnerships and enhanced co-operation improve services to the public.

We also maintain relationships and partnerships for outreach to electors, particularly with our four key target groups: youth, Aboriginal, ethnocultural and special needs electors. These relationships help us disseminate information, undertake consultations and – most important – achieve trust and support of our efforts to maximize Canadians' involvement in the electoral process.

 

Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcomee

Elections Canada operates under a Program Activity Architecture (PAA) that contains one main strategic outcome:

The PAA contains one program activity: elections.

Program Activity: Elections

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
104,422	104,422	104,422

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
387	387	387

Elections Canada is committed to providing four key results to Canadians:

• Delivering federal elections, by-elections and referendums that maintain the integrity of the electoral process, and administering the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act.
• Achieving and maintaining a state of readiness to deliver electoral events whenever they may be called, and to improve the delivery of electoral events.
• Providing timely and high-quality public education and information programs, as well as assurance that support on electoral matters is available to the public, parliamentarians, political entities and other stakeholders.
• Administering the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, under which readjustment of federal electoral boundaries is carried out by independent commissions after each decennial (10-year) census to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population.

We also identify major initiatives to improve our internal services and operations. These initiatives will increase our efficiency and ultimately our ability to deliver our strategic outcome more effectively. The initiatives planned for 2007–08 are identified later in this section under Key Program 5: Other Programs and Services.

Key Program 1: Electoral Event Delivery and Political Financing, and Compliance and Enforcement

Expected Results: The successful delivery of federal elections, by-elections and referendums that maintain the integrity of the electoral process, administration of the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act and compliance with electoral legislation.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
34,251	34,251	34,251

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
47	47	47

Political Financing

Sub-program: Administer the provisions of the Canada Elections Act related to political financing. Expected Results: Increased awareness of financial reporting requirements and regulations among political entities, and enhanced transparency of political financing information on the Web.

Federal Accountability Act

New political financing rules went into effect on January 1, 2007, with the passing of the Federal Accountability Act. Among other things, the Act:

• imposes a complete ban on contributions by corporations, unions and organizations
• lowers the annual limit on contributions an individual can make to a particular registered party from $5,000 to $1,100*
• lowers from $5,000 to $1,100^* the annual limit on contributions an individual can make to the local entities of a particular registered party (candidates, nomination contestants and district associations)
• lowers to $1,100^* the contribution that a candidate, a nomination contestant or a party leadership contestant can make to his or her own campaign
• makes it an offence to give or wilfully receive a cash donation of more than $20

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* Current limits for this year. The limits are indexed on April 1 of each year.

Another provision that comes into force in June 2007 prohibits a candidate from accepting a gift or advantage (money with no obligation of repayment) that may be perceived to have been given for the purpose of influencing the candidate in his or her duties or functions if elected. Exceptions include gifts or other advantages given by relatives, received under a will or given as a "normal expression of courtesy or protocol." The Act imposes disclosure requirements on gifts.

In 2007–08, Elections Canada will ensure that all political entities and Canadians are aware of the new requirements and limits. For this purpose, the agency will use public information campaigns (as we did when Bill C-2 received royal assent) as well as other means. We will review the requirements and develop enhanced tools to assist political entities in complying with the provisions of the Act. In reviewing returns, we will work with various stakeholders to identify errors, omissions and other potential problems (e.g. using checks built into electronic filing software or during our review of files). We will help stakeholders identify administrative options that they can use to bring their returns into compliance, and we will refer potential cases of non-compliance to the Commissioner of Canada Elections.

File Review

We review files to verify compliance with the financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act, and to determine the reimbursement or subsidy amount to be paid to a political entity and/or its auditor, as required by the Act.

In 2007–08, Elections Canada plans to receive:

• quarterly returns from registered parties that are required to submit them (due by April 30, 2007, for the first quarter; July 30, 2007, for the second quarter; October 30, 2007, for the third quarter; and January 30, 2008, for the fourth quarter)
• 2006 financial transactions returns from 15 registered parties (due by June 30, 2007)
• 2006 financial transactions returns from 1,144 registered electoral district associations (due by May 31, 2007)
• the leadership contestant returns for the December 3, 2006, Liberal Party of Canada leadership contest (due June 4, 2007)
• candidate electoral campaign returns for the November 27, 2006, by-elections (due by March 27, 2007)

Party Quarterly Allowances

Currently, political parties that receive 2 percent of the national vote, or 5 percent of the vote in ridings where they endorsed a candidate, are eligible to receive quarterly allowances. Quarterly allowances are withheld if a party's filings are overdue. The allowance payment is equal to the product of $0.4375 and the number of valid votes received in the general election preceding the quarter, multiplied by an inflation adjustment factor.

Registered Electoral District Association Audit Subsidies

A registered electoral district association that had contributions or expenses of $5,000 or more must have its return audited. The association is then eligible to receive an audit subsidy of up to $1,500 of the audit expenses incurred. This subsidy will be paid to the auditor once a completed financial transactions return, audit report and invoice have been received.

Publication of Financial Returns

Pursuant to section 412 of the Canada Elections Act, all financial transactions returns will be published as soon as practicable after receiving them. They are made available in hard copy and on the Elections Canada Web site.

For links to searchable databases of political entity financial returns, visit: www.elections.ca/intro.asp?section=fin&document=index&lang=e&textonly=false

Compliance and Enforcement

Sub-program: Investigate complaints about contraventions of the Canada Elections Act. Expected Results: Effective compliance and enforcement programs and electoral events, in accordance with legal requirements.

Under the Canada Elections Act, the Chief Electoral Officer appoints the Commissioner of Canada Elections. This official has the duty of ensuring that the Act is complied with and enforced. Any matter covered by an offence provision under the Act may be the subject of a complaint or referral to the Commissioner.

Legislative changes took effect with the entry into force of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, contained in the Federal Accountability Act (Bill C-2). The Director of Public Prosecutions Act transfers the authority to initiate and conduct a prosecution under the Canada Elections Act from the Commissioner to the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, the Commissioner remains responsible for conducting any prosecution that was pending up to December 12, 2006. There are two such prosecutions: one having to do with the 38th general election in 2004 and the other with the 39th general election in 2006.

The Federal Accountability Act makes no change to the Commissioner's powers to investigate, enter into compliance agreements and apply for injunctions during an election period. The Commissioner remains responsible for the assessment of complaints or referrals, and for investigations.

The Office of the Commissioner will also revise its foundation document, the Investigators' Manual, to reflect the legislative changes in the Federal Accountability Act as well as other developments in both law and policy since the last revision. Posted on the Elections Canada Web site, the Manual provides crucial information and guidance to the public, participants in the electoral process and personnel in the Office of the Commissioner concerning the investigative process and criteria followed by the Commissioner in exercising the discretionary powers granted by the Canada Elections Act.

Key Program 2: Electoral Event Readiness and Improvements

Expected Results: Achieve and maintain a state of readiness to deliver electoral events whenever they may be called, and improve the delivery of electoral events.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
59,344	59,344	59,344

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
281	281	281

Electoral Readiness and Improvements

Sub-program: Well-trained staff and election officers, as well as up-to-date electoral processes, systems, databases and materials ready for any electoral event. Expected Results: Improved delivery of electoral events that respond to stakeholders' concerns.

A constant state of readiness is critical to our ability to conduct elections, by-elections and referendums. In view of the results of the 39th general election held on January 23, 2006 – the second general election in under 18 months – our first priority has remained achieving the necessary state of readiness to conduct another general election. In 2007–08, we will continue to maintain that state of readiness.

Readiness Activities

As we commence the 2007–08 fiscal year, Elections Canada will have reached a new level of readiness for the delivery of electoral events. We are benefiting from the completion of a series of preparatory activities, as well as the implementation of enhancements to the administration of the electoral process. Key among these are the following:

• The appointment and training of returning officers and their assistants by the Chief Electoral Officer, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Accountability Act. Elections Canada has launched 118 competitions across Canada and will train the successful candidates by March 1, 2007. For the 190 reappointed returning officers, Elections Canada will conclude refresher training courses in Ottawa in March 2007.
• The review and reprinting of a number of field manuals and forms to reflect new initiatives successfully conducted during the two by-elections of November 27, 2006. The initiatives included providing large-scale mock-up ballots to assist electors with impaired vision at the polls, and collecting voter information cards at polling stations to ensure that electors did not use them as proof of identity at the polls.
• The continuous update of the National Register of Electors from the most current data sources, and the accompanying completion of quality estimates of list and revision projections bases.
• The revision of some 10,100 polling divisions, 800 mobile polls and 2,070 advance polling districts on the basis of recommendations received from returning officers in consultation with members of Parliament and local riding associations.
• Since May 2006, the completion of several phases of returning officers' pre-event activities, with the aim of updating Elections Canada's information and helping returning officers prepare for a general election.
• The ongoing identification of potential returning offices and the rental of telephone lines to the demarcation point of those buildings to ensure the rapid installation of phone service at the start of an electoral event.

Throughout this fiscal year, Elections Canada will continue to engage in ongoing preparatory activities. The aim is to ensure that all resources can be quickly mobilized at the start of an electoral event and that all products are optimized with the most current data available.

National Register of Electors

The National Register of Electors was established in 1997. Register information is shared with provinces, territories and municipalities, saving taxpayers money and increasing co-operation. The success of the Register was most recently demonstrated during the 39th general election, when it was shown to contain more than 94 percent of electors and 85 percent (±2 percent) at the correct address. Since the Register was developed, geocoding has been added to it, and a computer application called REVISE has been developed to capture revisions to the lists of electors during an electoral period.

Even though revision and targeted revision processes and technology have been refined and improved in the years since the Register was established, Elections Canada must build on the experience gained to continue to improve voter registration.

In 2007–08, we will continue to identify opportunities for further improving the quality of the lists of electors (in terms of coverage and currency) and voter registration services, with the aim of meeting stakeholders' requirements and increasing their participation. We will also develop a plan for making the improvements identified.

We will review and create new geography products and maps to facilitate the grouping and location of advance polling districts and polling sites, and to help in determining an elector's electoral district and polling division.

As well, we plan to contact electors with no links to existing data sources to confirm their elector status and address. In addition, we are improving processes and strategies to reduce the incidence of non-residential addresses in the National Register of Electors.

We have launched a project to develop an Elector Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), complementing the existing National Register of Electors application. To improve incomplete and inaccurate elector records, EQUIS will enable staff to query and interactively edit individual records, using current and historical source information. The application design and development are expected to be completed in 2007.

To account for changes in the electoral population, the National Register of Electors is updated using files from federal, provincial and municipal sources. Over the years, Elections Canada has developed programs to allow matching of records between the Register and external files. We recently initiated a project to implement the Generalized Record Linkage System developed by Statistics Canada; the aim is to improve record matching and facilitate the identification of elector records to be included in mailing initiatives.

In June 2006, Elections Canada completed the first Data Quality Confirmation Study to provide external estimates of quality and accuracy of the Register's information. The study involved selecting and contacting a sample of 30,800 electors and asking them to respond to a series of questions, with the aim of determining whether the information in the Register was correct and up to date. The results, which were shared with the Advisory Committee of Political Parties, were integrated into the quality model used to prepare quality measures of lists provided to members of Parliament and registered political parties on October 15, 2006. The study will be repeated in June 2007.

With our stakeholders, in March 2005 we completed an extensive review of the Quality Program, identifying all the requirements of an improved system. The functional design and technical architecture of the system were approved in November 2006, and the implementation of a more advanced, automated Quality Measurement System will start in early 2007. The new system will allow Elections Canada to prepare quality estimates more efficiently.

Voter Registration Review

In 2007–08, we will continue to implement key activities and projects, as recommended during the business requirements definition phase of the Voter Registration Review. This is a strategic review to improve voter registration; the goal is to increase the registration and participation of eligible voters in electoral events. The projects focus on enhancing the convenience, efficiency, integrity and security of voter registration. Elector convenience will be facilitated through access to a mix of traditional and modern channels for registration, revision and voting. The projects include the following:

• On-Line Registration
  A project designed to make voter registration more accessible to the electorate by enabling electors to add, update and/or confirm their elector information on-line. This would improve the quality of voters lists and voter registration services. Security will be a key component in the design of this process. The conceptual and technical designs are to be completed in the first part of 2007–08. The implementation of key components will begin during the latter part of the fiscal year.
• Enhanced Targeted Revision Program
  A quantitative assessment and review of how voter populations are targeted in current revision processes. The aim is to improve the quality of the voters lists and ensure that as many electors as possible are correctly registered to vote. In-depth analysis and recommendations for change will be completed during the first half of 2007–08 in preparation for implementation by the end of the year.
• Enhancing Polling Day Registration and Voting Processes
  An assessment of current voting day procedures and assumptions so that they can be continuously improved. The aim is to ensure that our approach continues to focus on the needs of voters and make the voting process as convenient as possible for electors, while at the same time maximizing security to collectively maintain the integrity of the electoral process. In-depth analysis and recommendations for change will be completed over an 18-month period. During this time frame, plans call for the project to take into account opportunities that might arise, such as a general election or by-elections.
• Review of Current Notice of Confirmation Tools (Voter Information Cards)
  A quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the voter information card (VIC). This will include a review of the VIC and related processes, an assessment of its effectiveness during an election and the exploration of other possible notification tools. Plans call for the project to be carried out during 2007–08 and implemented in 2008–09.

Special Voting Rules

To increase the accessibility, efficiency, transparency and integrity of the voting process, in 2007–08 we will continue to review and update Special Voting Rules (SVR) systems and processes. The SVR applies to the following types of electors:

• Canadian residents temporarily absent from their electoral districts during an election or referendum, whether they are in Canada or abroad
• Canadian residents who are in their electoral districts, but who cannot or do not wish to go to an ordinary or advance poll to vote
• Canadian citizens temporarily residing outside Canada
• Canadian Forces electors, including civilians employed as teachers or administrative support staff in Canadian Forces schools outside the country
• Incarcerated electors

Currently, three separate systems are used to administer the SVR program: Special Voting Domestic, Special Voting International and the Inmate Elector System. Elections Canada intends to implement an integrated system, which will be flexible enough to adapt to legislative changes and the ongoing development of the electoral system. The new system will improve accuracy and information exchange with various Elections Canada applications, and will enhance delivery of services to electors.

Our review of the administration of the SVR program and partnerships will continue. This includes improving training materials, reviewing and updating readiness material and application forms on the Elections Canada Web site, and reviewing and updating our communications strategy for reaching Canadians abroad.

We will also undertake ongoing consultations with the Department of National Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to improve lists of electors and communications services for electors under their jurisdiction.

The expected result is improved service to electors who are eligible under the SVR in future electoral events.

Information Technology Renewal

Over the past decade, Elections Canada has embraced the use of information technology (IT) and developed a unique IT environment. However, while the field systems – both hardware and software – have served us well, they are nearing the end of their lifespan and must be replaced. Elections Canada must adopt an approach for ensuring that IT systems use new technology to improve services to voters.

The Elections Canada Information Technology Renewal project began in 2006 and will continue through 2007–08. The project involves replacing or upgrading the agency's technology infrastructure and field systems. One aim is to ensure that we continue to be able to conduct an electoral event in the field; another is to position the agency to exploit the opportunities provided by new technology for improving service. In 2007–08, the IT Renewal project will conduct the necessary procurement activities to put in place contracts with private-sector partners for goods and services. The contracts will be used to begin the transformation of our IT environment.

The result will be a new IT environment for Elections Canada that is simplified, takes full advantage of modern information and communications technology, provides improved business capability with the same high reliability during events as in the past and fulfills our IT requirements for the next 5 to 10 years.

Technical Advice and Implementation of Electoral Reform

As noted in the section Risks and Challenges, a number of significant bills have recently been passed or are before Parliament. Both enacted and proposed legislation is expected to have a major impact on the current electoral process and the administration of electoral events.

Elections Canada will continue to provide its expertise in support of initiatives to review electoral legislation. For stakeholders – including electors, candidates and political parties – we will continue to provide timely and high-quality information on changes that are adopted.

Key Program 3: Public Education, Information and Support for Stakeholders

Expected Results: Provide timely and high-quality public education and information programs, as well as assurance that support on electoral matters is available to the public, parliamentarians and political entities.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
10,827	10,827	10,827

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
59	59	59

Sub-program: Provide timely and high-quality public education and information programs, as well as assurance that support on electoral matters is available to the public. Expected Results: Electoral processes are better known to the public, particularly persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights.

Voter Education and Outreach Programs

If a general election occurs during 2007–08, Elections Canada will reuse existing outreach plans with minor modification. The plans were initially developed for the 38th general election in 2004; they focus on improving elector participation among youth, Aboriginal communities, ethnocultural communities and electors with special needs.

As a priority in 2007–08, Elections Canada intends to prepare for the next general election by enlarging and strengthening its Community Relations Officer Program to enhance engagement with youth, Aboriginal, ethnocultural and special needs voters. We will seek to strengthen relationships with student federations, make voting more accessible for students on campuses and refine methods for communicating with youth. We will work to strengthen and expand our outreach to Aboriginal electors through partnerships. For instance, with the Assembly of First Nations, in 2007–08 we will develop a voter education campaign for First Nations electors; the objective is to increase their awareness of the federal electoral process and make it more accessible to them. We will continue to engage ethnocultural communities by developing formal partnerships with organizations and making services available in a wide variety of languages. Our efforts for special needs voters will focus on enhancing access to the electoral process for homeless electors and electors with visual disabilities.

Corporate Research

In 2007–08, we will publish the four concept papers that we commissioned in 2006–07 focusing on youth, Aboriginal people, ethnocultural communities and electors with special needs. The papers will further refine our understanding of why these groups are less likely to participate in the federal electoral process and will assist us in identifying the best means to reach the groups. We will pursue our partnership with the Canadian Policy Research Network to better understand why and how young people engage in civic and political activities (including elections), as well as to examine the current barriers and challenges to their participation.

Elections Canada also intends to develop a corporate research plan with a number of objectives:

1. To build knowledge for delivering high-quality and cost-effective services to our key stakeholders – Canadian electors and legislators, parliamentarians and political entities.
2. To build knowledge for strengthening Canadian democracy and governance. Such policy research would involve studies to better understand:
   • voter turnout of various groups within the Canadian electorate, especially those that tend to vote less than the mainstream
   • electoral participation of various groups, especially under-represented groups (e.g. women and ethnocultural communities)
   • regulatory regimes of political financing
3. To strengthen the agency's relationships with academics, researchers and other experts in electoral matters.
4. To disseminate and share knowledge through various means, including participating in conferences, producing publications and strengthening partnerships.

International Research and Co-operation

Elections Canada is regularly called on to assist countries in the process of democratization. The agency further plays a primary role within various international electoral bodies. Our research and co-operation work enables us to expand our knowledge of trends in electoral administration in other developed democracies.

The agency has shown innovation by developing a more comprehensive approach to its monitoring activities abroad, one of accompaniment – for instance, in its involvement in the international election missions in Iraq and Haiti, both chaired by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada. This approach consists of assisting the electoral commissions concerned before, during and after an election by helping them to develop the sustainable institutional framework and the expertise they need for a democratic process.

For further information, visit the Elections Canada Web site at www.elections.ca and click the International Activities icon.

In 2007–08, we will continue to provide assistance through multi-faceted initiatives such as international monitoring missions. We will work together with electoral commissions in other countries, as well as with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Union of Electoral Organizations and others.

Again in 2007–08, Elections Canada will participate in international forums and projects to advance electoral knowledge and expertise. An example is the ongoing Administration and Cost of Elections (ACE) Project Electoral Knowledge Network. The network is a partnership involving Elections Canada, EISA, the Federal Electoral Institute of Mexico, IFES, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the United Nations Development Programme. ACE enables professionals to use capacity-development initiatives, with the aim of generating, sharing and applying knowledge to solve problems and improve the professionalism of those engaged in electoral activities. In 2007–08, we will participate in a number of ACE activities to further the expansion of the network's reach and capacity.

For further information, visit the ACE Project Web site at www.aceproject.org or visit: www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=int&document=index&dir=ace&lang=e&textonly=false

Key Program 4: Electoral Boundaries Redistribution

Expected Results: Administer the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, under which federal electoral boundaries are readjusted by independent commissions after each decennial (10-year) census to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
0	0	0

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
0	0	0

Note:

This priority was last completed in May 2004 with the coming into force of the Representation Order of 2003. Planning will begin in 2010–11 to receive the 2011 Census return, after which redistribution will formally begin again.

Key Program 5: Other Programs and Services

Expected Results: Deliver high-quality leadership and management throughout the agency.

Elections Canada has identified four corporate initiatives that will begin or continue in 2007–08.

Human Resources Modernization

Elections Canada will continue to adapt its human resources management system to the profound changes arising from the Public Service Modernization Act, passed by Parliament in 2003.

Like many other federal organizations, Elections Canada will be affected by a number of retirements in the coming years and will have to take the necessary measures to replenish its ranks. This is a major challenge: the knowledge of seasoned election managers will be as difficult to replace as that of scientific experts.

Elections Canada will continue to encourage its staff members to hone their skills and take advantage of various development opportunities in order to broaden their knowledge and improve their capacity for addressing stakeholders' needs.

Elections Canada also faces significant human resources challenges during a major electoral event. In Ottawa, the number of Elections Canada employees doubles to approximately 600 at that time. Counting agency temporary help and consultants, the staff number triples to approximately 900.

A master human resources plan for the agency will be finalized in 2007–08. The plan will build on the individual directorates' human resources plans currently being developed, as well as the strategic plan. Managers will continue to receive mandatory staffing training. The development of human resources plans, policies and mandatory training is scheduled for completion by March 2008.

Performance Management Framework

Elections Canada has developed extensive indicators for tracking and monitoring electoral readiness and delivery activities at its office in Ottawa and in the 308 federal electoral districts.

In 2007–08, Elections Canada will continue to further enhance the quality of its performance measurement by developing and implementing a performance measurement framework at the corporate level and for ongoing activities.

As part of the Performance Management initiative, we will enhance our Integrated Business Management process in order to streamline our planning and reporting activities.

Internal Audit

The internal audit function is a key component of Elections Canada's governance framework. In accordance with the new internal audit policy that came into force on April 1, 2006, Elections Canada has initiated the enhancement required and is committed to continuing the work in 2007-08 to meet the April 1, 2009, deadline for full implementation.

Elections Canada followed up on specific commitments made in response to the 2005 audit recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. A master list and status report of the actions completed are planned for review by the Audit Committee in 2007–08. Similarly, the internal audit plan was updated for 2007–08 to take into account the Auditor General's recommendations. It will be finalized during the year.

For further information on the Auditor General's recommendations concerning Elections Canada, go to: www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/domino/reports.nsf/html/20051106ce.html

 

Section III – Supplementary Information

Elections Canada's Organization and Accountability

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, commonly known as Elections Canada, is headed by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), who is appointed by resolution of the House of Commons. Reporting directly to Parliament, the Chief Electoral Officer is independent of the federal government and political parties.

The Chief Electoral Officer is seconded by the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer and Chief Legal Counsel (DCEO), and is supported by the following directorates:

• Operations, Register and Geography
• Outreach, Communications and Research
• Political Financing and Corporate Services
• Legal Services
• Information Technology
• International Research and Co-operation

The Canada Elections Act gives the CEO authority to appoint:

• the Commissioner of Canada Elections
• the Broadcasting Arbitrator
• a returning officer for each federal electoral district

The Act provides the statutory framework under which all these office-holders operate. In the case of returning officers, it also authorizes the CEO to provide them with instructions as required for the administration of the Act.

In addition, Elections Canada retains the services of 30 field liaison officers. They support the work of returning officers in the field, acting as functional leaders, quality enhancers and troubleshooters. They are responsible as well for liaising with the media at the local level.

The diagram below presents the agency's organizational structure and reporting relationships.

Elections Canada's Organizational Structure

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Financial Information

Program Activity

2007–08
Strategic Outcome: An electoral process that contributes to fairness, transparency and accessibility for all participants, in accordance with the legislative framework
($ thousands)	Budgetary		Total Main Estimates	Adjustments (planned spending not in Main Estimates)	Total Planned Spending
	Operating	Transfer Payments
Program Activity: Elections	75,379	29,043	104,422	–	104,422
Total	75,379	29,043	104,422	–	104,422

 

Table 1: Agency Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

($ thousands)	Forecast Spending 2006–07	Planned Spending 2007–08	Planned Spending 2008–09*	Planned Spending 2009–10*
Program Activity: Elections	87,226	104,422	104,422	104,422
Budgetary Main Estimates (gross)	87,226	104,422	104,422	104,422
Less: Respendable revenue	–	–	–	–
Total Main Estimates	87,226	104,422	104,422	104,422
Adjustments	–	–	–	–
Supplementary Estimates	40,043	–	–	–
Other	–	–	–	–
Total Adjustments	40,043	–	–	–
Total Planned Spending	127,269	104,422	104,422	104,422
Total Planned Spending	127,269	104,422	104,422	104,422
Less: Non-respendable revenue	–	–	–	–
Plus: Cost of services received without charge	5,346	6,369	6,369	6,369
Total Agency Spending	132,615	110,791	110,791	110,791
Full-Time Equivalents	394	387	387	387

*

The agency’s planned spending provided for each fiscal period beyond 2007–08 is an indicator of statutory expenditures that the agency may incur during the year under the Canada Elections Act, the Referendum Act or the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. These and additional funds needed to carry out the agency’s statutory responsibilities will be drawn under the statutory authority, if necessary.

Table 2: Voted and Statutory Items Listed in Main Estimates

Vote or Statutory Item	Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording	2007–08 Main Estimates ($ thousands)	Previous Main Estimates ($ thousands)
15	Program Expenditures	21,766	21,468
(S)	Salary of the Chief Electoral Officer	231	224
(S)	Expenses of Elections	78,398	61,455
(S)	Contributions to Employee Benefit Plans	4,027	4,079
	Total Agency	104,422	87,226

Table 3: Services Received Without Charge

($ thousands)	2007–08
Accommodation provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada	4,500
Contributions covering employer’s share of employees’ insurance premiums and expenditures, paid by Treasury Board Secretariat (excluding revolving funds)	1,760
Worker’s compensation coverage provided by Human Resources and Social Development Canada	4
Salary and associated expenditures of legal services provided by the Department of Justice	7
Audit services provided for the annual audit by the Office of the Auditor General	99
Total Agency	6,370

Table 4: Summary of Transfer Payments

Over the next three years, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer will manage transfer payment programs in excess of $5 million.

Program Activity: Elections (Statutory)	Forecast Spending ($ thousands)	Planned Spending ($ thousands)
	2006–07	2007–08	2008–09	2009–10
Allowances to eligible political parties and auditors’ subsidies for electoral district associations (political financing provision, Canada Elections Act)	28,300	29,043	29,043	29,043
Reimbursement of candidates’ and political parties’ election expenses, as well as auditors’ subsidies*	–816
Total Transfer Payments	27,484	29,043	29,043	29,043

*	Amount resulting from reversal of a payable at year-end.

Table 5: Details of Transfer Payment Programs

Objective	Elections Canada’s role is to administer the Canada Elections Act, which has three main objectives: fairness, transparency and participation. The Act allows eligible registered political parties that obtain at least 2 percent of the total valid votes cast in the most recent general election, or 5 percent of the valid votes cast in the ridings where they endorse candidates, to be paid a quarterly allowance according to the following formula: the product of $0.4375 and the number of valid votes cast in the most recent general election preceding that quarter, multiplied by the inflation adjustment factor in effect for that quarter. The Act provides for a subsidy to the auditor of a registered electoral district association, up to a maximum of $1,500 of the expenses incurred for the audit. Registered electoral district associations that have, in a fiscal period, accepted contributions or incurred expenses of $5,000 or more must submit an audit report on their annual financial transactions return.
Expected results	Electoral events that are fair and accessible in the context of, and in accordance with, constitutional and legal requirements.
Outcomes for 2007–2008	Payments of quarterly allowances to eligible political parties and making payments of approximately $28.1 million by March 31, 2008. Subsidies to auditors of registered electoral district associations and making payments of approximately $900,000 by March 31, 2008.

 

Contacts for Further Information

Address:		Elections Canada 257 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M6
Telephone:		1-800-463-6868 toll-free in Canada and the United States 001-800-514-6868 toll-free in Mexico 613-993-2975 from anywhere in the world For people who are deaf or hard of hearing: TTY 1-800-361-8935 toll-free in Canada and the United States
Fax:		613-954-8584 1-888-524-1444 toll-free in Canada and the United States
Web site:		www.elections.ca
Media Information
Telephone:		1-877-877-9515 613-993-2224 TTY 1-800-361-8935
Fax:		613-954-8584