Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament.  Elections Canada must be prepared at all times to conduct a federal general election, by-election or referendum, administer the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act, monitor compliance, and enforce electoral legislation.  Elections Canada is also mandated to conduct voter education and information programs, and provide support to the independent commissions in charge of adjusting the boundaries of federal electoral districts after each decennial census.  Finally, Elections Canada may carry out studies on alternative voting methods and, with the approval of Parliament, may test electronic voting processes for future use during electoral events.

Recognized as an ardent supporter of democracy around the world, Elections Canada has helped establish a variety of multilateral and bilateral programs offering professional support and technical assistance to countries developing democratic institutions.  Since 1980, Elections Canada has organized international democratic development missions in over 100 countries.  As its present international focus, Elections Canada actively engages with other electoral management bodies and international electoral organizations to exchange information for the purpose of contributing to, and identifying, best practices in the field of electoral administration.