a. Yes

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:39:59 UTC

b. The Boundaries Commission

Comments: On the release of the decennial Census data, the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act establishes an independent Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission in each of the ten Canadian provinces (each of the three territories is made up of one constituency). The commissions have the mandate to propose changes to electoral district boundaries based on population changes. They must hold public hearings and consult with Parliament before they take their final decisions. They are dissolved once redistribution is over.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:39:59 UTC

a. "Equality" of population

b. Respecting natural barriers

e. Geographic size of district

f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns

Comments: The division of the province into electoral districts shall proceed on the basis that the population of each electoral district in the province as a result thereof shall, as close as reasonably possible, correspond to the electoral quota for the province. In determining reasonable electoral boundaries the Commissions shall consider the size of the population (plus or minus 25%) along with the community of interest, the community of identity and historical patterns of an electoral district. Districts in sparsely populated, rural or northern regions of the province must remain of a manageable geographic size. Equality of population is a primary criterion, but there is no clear-cut prioritization of the other criteria. Court decisions have ensured that community of interest must be taken into account.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:40:50 UTC

a. Total population

Comments: Electoral district boundaries are readjusted once every 10 years upon the results of the decennial census of the total population.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:41:31 UTC

c. Boundary Commission

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:41:31 UTC

j. National census

k. Boundaries redrawn every____period of years

Comments: Redistribution of federal electoral boundaries takes place after each decennial census.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:41:31 UTC

a. Name and Title: Alain Pelletier
b. Job Title: Assistant Director, Corporate and Parliamentary Research
c. Organisation: Elections Canada
d. Contact Address. 257 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0M6 Canada
e. Telephone: (613) 993-6516, 1-800-267-7360
f. Facsimile: (613) 993-4087
g. Email: alain.pelletier@elections.ca, info@elections.ca

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:11:17 UTC

b. Optional referendum

Last updated: 2006-07-09 16:26:18 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

b. Specific laws/legislation

Comments: b) Referendum Act; Canada Elections Act as Adapted for the purposes of a Referendum.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:12:35 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

b. Specific laws/legislation

c. Regulations

Comments: b) Referendum Act; Canada Elections Act as Adapted for the purposes of a Referendum.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:14:26 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms

Comments: a) The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, who is an Officer of Parliament and independent from the government, is responsible for that matter.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

a. Information booklets

b. Leaflets and pamphlets

c. Radio broadcasts

d. TV broadcasts

e. Press advertisements

f. Website

g. Other(specify)

Comments: g) According to s. 31 of the Referendum Act, The Chief Electoral Officer may implement public education and information programs to make the referendum process better known to the public, particularly to those persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights. In practice, information and education material are made available on various supports and formats, including in multiple non-official languages, TTY and regular free phone services, on an interactive Web site, though voting templates and the availability of interpreters for people with various disabilities. Pursuant to s. 3(5) of the Referendum Act, the Chief Electoral Officer shall ensure that the text of a referendum question is available in such aboriginal languages and in such places in those languages, as the Chief Electoral Officer, after consultation with representatives of aboriginal groups, may determine.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

i. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

i. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

a. Compulsory registration of campaigners and campaign groups

b. Expenditure limits

d. Restrictions on the sources of contributions

e. Disclosure requirements

Comments: According to s. 15(1) of the Referendum Act, any person who, or group that, intends to incur referendum expenses over $5,000 must register with the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada to obtain the status of registered referendum committee. This entails the right to certain financial advantages, including access to free broadcasting time, and obligations in terms of disclosure and limits on referendum expenses.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

a. Fixed time period (specify)

Comments: a) Controls apply during the referendum period s. 2 of the Referendum Act defines the referendum period as starting the day the text of the referendum question is approved and ending on referendum day.
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

c. All campaign organisations

Comments: According to s. 15(1) of the Referendum Act, any person who, or group that, intends to incur referendum expenses over $5,000 must register with the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada to obtain the status of registered referendum committee. This entails the right to free broadcasting time.
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

b. Free media access

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

a. X

Comments: An aggregate pool of three hours of prime time per television network is made available at no cost and allocated equally between the “yes” and the “no” options, then allocated equally among all registered committees registered within each option (ss. 21-22, Referendum Act).
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

a. Yes

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

a. X

Comments: No person or group, other than a registered referendum committee, shall incur expenses that exceed $5,000 (s. 15(1), Referendum Act). Registered referendum committees are subject to a spending limit corresponding to 30 cents multiplied by the number of electors registered in the electoral districts in which the committee intends to carry on its activities to support or oppose the referendum question (s. 15(2)-(3), Referendum Act).
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:51:14 UTC

b. Optional referendum 1992

Comments: b) The 1992 Referendum Act is the first legal framework providing for referenda on constitutional matters.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:20:39 UTC

b. Optional referendum 1992

Comments: b) The 1992 Referendum Act is the first legal framework providing for referenda on constitutional matters.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:20:39 UTC

b. Independent electoral commission

Comments: b) The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:20:39 UTC

a. Yes

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:20:39 UTC

b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces

Comments: b) Referenda at the provincial and territorial level are conducted under respective provincial and territorial legislation. For further information, please see The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada at www.elections.ca.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:25:50 UTC

b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces

Comments: b) Referenda at the provincial and territorial level are conducted under respective provincial and territorial legislation. For further information, please see The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada at www.elections.ca.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:25:50 UTC

b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces

Comments: b) Only British Columbia has legal provisions for recalls and citizens’ initiatives. Referenda at the provincial and territorial level are conducted under respective provincial and territorial legislation. For further information, please see The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada at www.elections.ca.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:25:50 UTC

c. No

Comments: c) For further information, please see The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada at www.elections.ca.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:32:17 UTC

b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces

Comments: b) Only British Columbia has legal provisions for recalls and citizens’ initiatives. Referenda at the provincial and territorial level are conducted under respective provincial and territorial legislation. For further information, please see The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada at www.elections.ca.
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:25:50 UTC

b. Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:32:17 UTC

b. Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:32:17 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:32:17 UTC

l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 16:52:19 UTC

a. Constitutional amendments

Comments: a) Federal referenda may only be held on issues that deal with the Constitution of Canada as provided by s. 3 of the Referendum Act. This, however, does not preclude Parliament from passing legislation to have a referendum on any other issue.
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:34:37 UTC

b. Adoption of international treaties

c. Transfer of authority to international bodies

d. National sovereignty, national self-determination

e. Conflict between constitutional organs

f. Devolution

g. Civil service

h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments

i. Other public policy issues

j. Other (specify)

Comments: j) Referendums may only concern constitutional amendments; all other matters excluded. As provided by s. 3 of the Referendum Act. This, however, does not preclude Parliament from passing legislation to have a referendum on any other issue.
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:34:37 UTC

e. None

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:34:37 UTC

a. Government

Comments: a) The Governor in Council may proclaim that a referendum be held in one or more provinces or territories if it considers that it is in the public interest to obtain by means of a referendum the opinion of electors on any question relating to the Constitution of Canada (s. 3(1) of the Referendum Act).
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:34:37 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:00:02 UTC

a. Government (specify department)

Comments: a) A member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada may give notice of a motion for the approval of the text of a referendum question, which has to be submitted for approval to the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of each political party having a recognized membership of twelve or more persons in the House of Commons. The question must be submitted to the House of Commons and the Senate for approval. (ss. 5(1)-(8) of the Referendum Act).
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:34:37 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:00:02 UTC

e. Other (specify)

Comments: e) A referendum question must be worded so that electors may express their opinion by "yes" or "no" (s. 3(3) of the Referendum Act). The referendum question must deal with a constitutional matter in keeping with s. 3(1) of the Referendum Act).
Source: The Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:36:15 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:00:02 UTC

d. Legislature

Comments: d) A member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada may give notice of a motion for the approval of the text of a referendum question, which has to be submitted for approval to the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of each political party having a recognized membership of twelve or more persons in the House of Commons. The question must be submitted to the House of Commons and the Senate for approval.
Source: The Referendum Act of Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:36:15 UTC

d. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:38:10 UTC

c. No quorom required X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:38:10 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:00:02 UTC

a. Simple majority (>50%)

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

g. None

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:06:04 UTC

c. Never

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:06:04 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:06:04 UTC

l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:06:04 UTC

l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-27 17:06:04 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Other (specify)

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

k. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:40:43 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

b. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

b. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:42:03 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-12-10 10:44:33 UTC

a. Name of Institution Elections Canada
b. Full Address 257 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M6
c. Telephone 1-800-267-7360 or 1-613-993-2975
d. Facsimile 1-613-954-8584
f. Website Address www.elections.ca
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr. Jean-Pierre Kingsley (Chief Electoral Officer) and Ms. Diane R. Davidson, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer and Chief Legal Counsel.
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English / French

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:31:03 UTC

a. National level

Comments: Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament that is responsible for the conduct of federal elections and referendums.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:32:06 UTC

c. The legislature

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:32:06 UTC

g. Other

Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada determines the budget of Elections Canada. As an independent agency of Parliament, Elections Canada is funded by two budget authorities: an annual appropriation that essentially provides for the salaries of permanent full-time staff, and a statutory authority, which provides for all other expenditures, including the salary of the Chief Electoral Officer, all expenses related to the conduct of electoral events, and continuing public education programs.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:35:56 UTC

g. Other

Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada is accountable to Parliament for all of Elections Canada’s expenditures. Expenses related to the conduct of electoral events and certain basic functions related to the mandate of the Chief Electoral Officer are paid for with the Consolidated Revenue Fund. All other expenses, including those for the permanent staff, follow an approval process: the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, which is responsible for electoral matters, recommends spending approval, and the House of Commons appropriates the funds through a motion adopting the committee recommendations.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:35:56 UTC

d. Other

Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada is an Officer of Parliament appointed by a resolution of the House of Commons. He or she reports directly to Parliament and is independent of the government and all political parties. The Chief Electoral Officer serves until retirement at age 65 or resignation. He or she can only be removed from office for cause by the Governor General on a joint address of the House of Commons and the Senate.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:35:56 UTC

b. Legislative appointment

Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada is an Officer of Parliament appointed by a resolution of the House of Commons. He or she reports directly to Parliament and is independent of the government and all political parties. The Chief Electoral Officer serves until retirement at age 65 or resignation. He or she can only be removed from office for cause by the Governor General on a joint address of the House of Commons and the Senate.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:38:25 UTC

a. estimated total: 110400000
b. Exchange rate used $1.00CDN=$0,63USD

Comments: Estimted Total Cost of 2000 General Election 199.7 million US$ Minus: Candidates and Political Party Subsidy 24.5 million US$ Estimated Total Cost (excl. Candidates and Parties) 110.4 million US$
Source: Claire Courchesne,International Services, Elections Canada, claire.courchesne(a)electc.x400.gc.ca (Dec 2006)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:11:22 UTC

a. Total number: 2

Comments: January 26, 2006 Federal General Election
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:11:22 UTC

a. USD/registered voter $7.63 US
b. Exchange rate used $0,8613 US

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:38:25 UTC

a. Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 24%
e. Official funding of parties and candidates 12%
f. Voter education 9%
i. Polling operations 17%
k. Other 38%

Comments: Other includes: Election management, Staff/Equipment/Supplies, Security, Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:11:22 UTC

g. Inherited monarchy

Comments: Canada’s head of state is the person of the British monarch, known as “the Crown in right of Canada” to distinguish the monarch’s Canadian status from its British one. The Governor General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 9,10
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:30:03 UTC

d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government

Comments: The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is by custom the leader of the party that commands the majority of seats (in the case of a majority government), or commands a a larger number of seats than any other party in the House of Commons (in the case of a minority government). The Prime Minister is not a constitutional title or position; the authority of the Prime Minister comes from assuming the formal role of Governor in Council, the leader of the monarch’s Privy Council.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:30:03 UTC

b. No

Source: Ron Gould, Former Assistant Chief Electoral Officer,Elections Canada, gouchiholdings(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Mon, 08 Jul 2002 09:28:03 GMT

b. Two chambers

Source: Ron Gould, Former Assistant Chief Electoral Officer,Elections Canada, gouchiholdings(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Mon, 08 Jul 2002 09:28:30 GMT

a. Plurality (FPTP)

Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 37.
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 10:53:44 GMT

j. By appointment

Comments: Senators are recommended by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General.
Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 23-29.
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:30:03 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Ron Gould, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Canada,ron.gould(a)electc.x400.gc.ca
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 13:12:47 GMT

b. Specially delimited constituencies

Comments: Members of Parliament are elected from single-seat constituencies (308 as per the 2003 Representation Order). Electoral boundaries are readjusted at each decennial census.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:30:03 UTC

c. Regional or provincial level

Comments: Senatorial seats are distributed by region, with each region sub-divided by province: Ontario (24); Quebec (24); Maritimes (24)  Nova Scotia (10); New Brunswick (19); Prince Edward Island (4); Western Provinces (24)  Manitoba (6); British Columbia (6); Saskatchewan (6); Alberta (6); plus additional seats for Newfoundland and Labrador (6), Yukon Territory (1), Northwest Territories (1) and Nunavut (1). Only in the province of Quebec do Senators represent a specific constituency. All other Senators represent the province or territory from which they were appointed. Four or eight additional Senators, equally representing the four regions, may be appointed. There may be no more than 113 Senators. Note: These are already existing political entities and not specially delimitated constituencies
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:33:32 UTC

b. No

Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 37.
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 10:56:32 GMT

e. Not applicable Na

Source: Elections Canada online (www.elections.ca)
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 21:51:02 GMT

b. No

Comments: No formal legislation supporting special seats but there may be an informal practice.
Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 22.
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 13:18:05 GMT

e. Not applicable Na

Source: www.elections.ca
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 21:50:20 GMT

c. Not applicable

Comments: Election is through a single-seat constituency, first-past-the-post system. The candidate who wins the greatest numbers of votes in a constituency wins the seat in the House of Commons for that constituency.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:33:32 UTC

c. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed.
Source: Constitution, Section 22-24.
Last updated: Mon, 27 May 2002 08:01:05 GMT

c. Not applicable

Comments: Election is through a single-seat constituency, first-past-the-post system. The candidate who wins the greatest numbers of votes in a constituency wins the seat in the House of Commons for that constituency.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:33:32 UTC

c. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed
Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 22-23.
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 13:22:05 GMT

b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)

c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)

d. Other

Comments: Elections are usually called at the Prime Minister’s discretion. Formally, the Governor-General dissolves Parliament upon the request of the Prime Minister. However, elections can also result automatically from the Prime Minister losing the confidence of the House of Commons, signalled through the loss of a confidence vote, at which time the Governor General is asked to dissolve Parliament. Section 4 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms further stipulates that no House of Commons shall extend over a period of five years (except in cases of “real or apprehended war, invasion or insurrection). Section 57(3) of the Canada Elections Act states that polling day must be on a Monday, or on the day after if Monday is a holiday.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:33:32 UTC

e. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed until the age of 75. No election.
Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 24 and 29.
Last updated: Mon, 27 May 2002 08:02:09 GMT

a. Voting takes place on one day

Source: Elections Act, Part 9, Clause 127.
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 13:24:06 GMT

c. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed
Source: Constitutional Acts, Section 22 and 24.
Last updated: Mon, 27 May 2002 08:02:58 GMT

b. Separate legislation

Comments: b.) All rules and regulations for election administration are contained within the Canada Elections Act. Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms enshrines the right to vote and the right to be a candidate in an election to the House of Commons while section 2 enshrines a series of constitutional freedoms: of conscience and religion; of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; of peaceful assembly; and of association.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:29:42 UTC

a. January 2000 or later

Comments: The Canada Elections Act was completely overhauled in 2000 with Bill C-2, An Act respecting the election of members to the House of Commons, repealing other Acts relating to elections and making consequential amendments to other Acts. The statute was significantly amended in 2003 and 2004. On June 19, 2003, Parliament put in place more extensive and stricter controls over political financing activities through Bill C-24, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Income Tax Act (political financing). In 2004, in the wake of a Supreme Court of Canada ruling, the Parliament amended the rules on the registration of political parties through Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Income Tax Act.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:27:04 UTC

a. National elections

Comments: The Canada Elections Act covers federal elections. Canada is a confederation made of a federal jurisdiction, 10 provinces and three territories, each of which has its own separate legislative framework for administering its own elections and referenda. Source: Elections Canada
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:29:42 UTC

a. Voting is voluntary

Comments: Every person who is qualified as an elector is entitled to vote and may freely choose whether or not to use that right.
Source: Canada Elections Act, Clause 3.
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:27:04 UTC

a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections

Comments: The Canada Elections Act covers federal elections. Canada is a confederation made of a federal jurisdiction, 10 provinces and three territories, each of which has its own separate legislative framework for administering its own elections and referenda.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:27:27 UTC

c. Not applicable

Source: www.elections.ca
Last updated: Mon, 01 Oct 2001 12:34:32 GMT

a. Judiciary

b. EMB

Comments: The Commissioner of Canada Elections, who is selected and appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, ensures that the Canada Elections Act (and the Referendum Act) is enforced and complied with. The Commissioner has the necessary judiciary powers to decide whether to investigate and prosecute an offence under the Act.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:28:55 UTC

e. Electoral Management Body

Comments: The Commissioner of Canada Elections is selected and appointed – and may be removed by – the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:28:55 UTC

a. Candidates

b. Parties

c. Voters

e. Other

Comments: Anyone who has evidence that a provision of the Canada Elections Act has been violated may file a written complaint with the Commissioner of Canada Elections no later than six months after the offence was committed. The Commissioner may instigate prosecution if he or she has reasonable belief that an electoral offence has been committed. Election results can be contested by any candidate or qualified elector in the competent court.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:28:55 UTC

b. Constitutional (or similar) Court

d. Local Court

Comments: The final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes is the Supreme Court of Canada.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:29:42 UTC

a. Election Management Body

b. Legislative Committee

c. Government

d. Specially Appointed Committee

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:29:42 UTC

c. Organisation: Elections Canada
d. Contact Address: 257 Slater Street, Ottawa, Canada, K1A OM6
e. Telephone: 1-800-267-7360
f. Facsimile: (613) 993-4087
g. Email: info@elections.ca

Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

d. No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:32 UTC

a. Over 60%

Comments: According to a survey conducted in the Fall of 2005 by BBM Canada (a not-for-profit broadcast research company), radio reaches 92.1% of the Canadian population aged 12 years and over on a weekly basis.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:19:22 UTC

a. Over 60%

Comments: According to a survey conducted in the Fall of 2005 by BBM Canada (a not-for-profit, broadcast research company), television reaches 95.5% of the Canadian population aged 2 years and over on a weekly basis.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:20:51 UTC

a. T

Comments: The Access to Information Act entitles every Canadian citizen or permanent resident to have access to any record under the control of a government institution except if the institution is explicitly excluded from its application. See Schedule 1 and 2 of the Act.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:23:33 UTC

Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

a. Over 60 %

Comments: The Broadcasting Act stipulates that the programming provided by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) be made available throughout Canada. See Broadcasting Act 1991, s. 3 (1) (m) (vii). According to a survey conducted in the Fall of 2005 by BBM Canada (a not-for-profit broadcast research company), radio reaches 92.1% of the Canadian population aged of 12 years old and more on a weekly basis.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:58 UTC

d. Public television

f. Private television

Comments: 1 Private television 2 Public television
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-19 07:42:47 UTC

a. Public radio

c. Public television

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:23:33 UTC

a. T

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:24:24 UTC

Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

a. Government

Comments: The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:33:32 UTC

a. Political parties

b. Private companies

c. Non governmental organisations

d. Foreigners

e. Government departments

f. State owned companies

Comments: Although there is no restriction to apply for a broadcasting licence, applicants must meet certain criteria in the following areas: ownership, financial capacity, technical capacity and programming requirements.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:34:48 UTC

a. T

Comments: Broadcasting Act 1991, 12 (2), (3)
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:34:48 UTC

b. No

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:36:31 UTC

a. Law

Comments: The Canada Elections Act; the Broadcasting Act 1991 and the Criminal Code all regulate, to some extent, the media coverage of elections.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:36:31 UTC

a. Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body)

d. Legislature

g. EMB by law or regulations

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:36:31 UTC

d. Other (specify)

Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer provides for the regulation of: 1) broadcasting time; 2) election opinion surveys; and 3) election advertising See Canada Elections Act ss. 323, 326 to 328, 335 to 348.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-19 07:42:47 UTC

a. Yes

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:37:59 UTC

b. No

Comments: According the Criminal Code, every one who is proven guilty of defamatory libel is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. Furthermore, every one who publishes a defamatory libel that he knows is false is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. See Criminal Code, ss. 300, 301.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:39:09 UTC

a. Criminal prosecution

b. Administrative sanction

Comments: Media can have their licence suspended by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. Media can also be prosecuted for libel by offended candidates (see Broadcasting Act 1991, ss. 12 (2), (3)). In this regard, the Criminal Code stipulates that every one who is proven guilty of defamatory libel is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. Furthermore, every one who publishes a defamatory libel that he knows is false is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years (see Criminal Code, ss. 300, 301).
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-19 07:42:47 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation possesses a Charter of Journalistic Standards and Practices. It can be found at the following address: www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/accountability/journalistic/index.shtml.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:39:09 UTC

b. Other (specify)

Comments: The Broadcasting Arbitrator, who is appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, is responsible to allocate broadcasting time to registered political parties. See Canada Elections Act ss. 335, 338, 345
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:41:59 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Comments: The Canada Elections Act stipulates that every network operator shall make available at no cost to the registered parties and eligible parties broadcasting time for the transmission of political announcements and other programming produced by or on behalf of those parties. The minimum amount of broadcasting time that a network operator is to make available shall be no less than the amount of free broadcasting time made available by it at the last general election and shall be made available as follows: (a) two minutes to every registered party; and (b) the remainder to all registered parties that have been allocated any of the broadcasting time to be made available and all eligible parties that have requested broadcasting time in the proportion that their allocated or requested purchasable broadcasting time bears to the total broadcasting time allocated or requested See Canada Elections Act ss. 345, 346
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-19 07:42:47 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Comments: The Canada Elections Act stipulates that every network operator shall make available at no cost to the registered parties and eligible parties broadcasting time for the transmission of political announcements and other programming produced by or on behalf of those parties. The minimum amount of broadcasting time that a network operator is to make available shall be no less than the amount of free broadcasting time made available by it at the last general election and shall be made available as follows: (a) two minutes to every registered party; and (b) the remainder to all registered parties that have been allocated any of the broadcasting time to be made available and all eligible parties that have requested broadcasting time in the proportion that their allocated or requested purchasable broadcasting time bears to the total broadcasting time allocated or requested See Canada Elections Act ss. 345, 346
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-19 07:42:47 UTC

d. Based on mixture of principles (specify)

Comments: The allocation of free broadcasting time depends on two criteria, the percentage of seats in the House of Commons held by each of the registered parties at the previous general election and the percentage of the popular vote at the previous general election of each registered party. The Broadcast Arbitrator shall in addition give half the weight given to each of the factors above to the number of candidates endorsed by each of the registered parties at the previous general election, expressed as a percentage of all candidates endorsed by all registered parties at that election. See Canada Elections Act ss. 338, 339.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:43:38 UTC

b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X

Comments: The amount spent by political parties on advertising during a campaign is only restricted by the total amount of election expenses a party can incur. To see how that maximum amount is calculated, see the Canada Elections Act s. 422.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:44:59 UTC

e. None

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:44:59 UTC

e. None

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:44:59 UTC

e. None

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:44:59 UTC

h. Not applicable

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:46:36 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:46:36 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:46:36 UTC

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:46:36 UTC

i. Not applicable

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:46:36 UTC

Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:18:01 UTC

a. ....... The Canada Elections Act ss. 412, 429

Comments: The disclosure concerns all campaign expenditures incurred by political parties and candidates.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:50:15 UTC

a. ......... According to the Canada Elections Act, no person shall charge a registered party, any other political party or a candidate (a) a rate for broadcasting time made available to the party or candidate, in the period beginning on the issue of the writs and ending at midnight on the second day before polling day, that exceeds the lowest rate charged by the person for an equal amount of equivalent time on the same facilities made available to any other person at any time within that period; or (b) a rate for an advertisement in a periodical publication published or distributed and made public that exceeds the lowest rate charged by the person for an equal amount of equivalent advertising space in the same issue of the periodical publication or in any other issue of it that is published or distributed and made public in that period.

Comments: See Canada Elections Act s. 348.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:50:15 UTC

a. .......... Not applicable

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:53:56 UTC

b. Yes, in legislative elections

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:53:56 UTC

a. ......... T

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:53:56 UTC

a. Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll

b. Geographical coverage

c. Characteristics of the sample

d. Size of the sample

e. Margin of error

f. Other

Comments: Election opinion surveys must also disclose the name of the person or organization that conducted the survey and, when it is transmitted to the public by means other than broadcasting, the wording of the survey questions. See Canada Elections Act s. 326.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:53:56 UTC

a. 1 day

Comments: No person shall transmit to the public, in an electoral district on polling day before the close of all of the polling stations in that electoral district, the results of an election survey that have not previously been transmitted to the public. See Canada Elections Act s. 328.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:53:56 UTC

d. No exit polls conducted to date

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:55:19 UTC

e. Not applicable

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:55:19 UTC

b. After all polls close, before official results are available

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:55:19 UTC

a. Yes

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:55:19 UTC

a. A media department

b. A press officer

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:56:35 UTC

a. Yes

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:56:35 UTC

a. Media packs/press kits

b. Press releases

c. Press conferences/briefings

d. Pre-recorded radio or TV slots

e. Web site

g. Other (specify)

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:56:35 UTC

b. No

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 08:56:35 UTC

e. None

Comments: No free broadcasting time is made available to the Officer of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:18:26 UTC

e. None

Comments: No free broadcasting time is made available to the Officer of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:18:26 UTC

e. None

Comments: No free broadcasting time is made available to the Officer of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:18:26 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:18:26 UTC

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:18:26 UTC

c. Privately owned

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:18:26 UTC

a. It consults the media about the usefulness of materials provided to them by the EMB.

b. It consults the media about the usefulness of the EMB’s website.

c. It encourages the media to subscribe to a media page in the EMB’s website in order to receive regular updates.

d. It monitors the media coverage of its own activities.

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:20:00 UTC

a. Very effective

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:20:00 UTC

a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)

e. Minimum number of candidates

f. Other

Comments: The Canada Elections Act requires a statement that the party has appointed a leader and three other officials, along with their names, addresses; the names, addresses and at least 250 signed supportive declarations of members of the party; a signed declaration by the leader that one of the fundamental purposes of the party is to “participate in public affairs by endorsing one or more of its members as candidates and supporting their election”. The Chief Electoral Officer must be satisfied that the information in the application is accurate and that the organization is a political party, and may ask for additional documents (including the party's constitution, by-laws and program) if he or she deems it necessary. A party that meets these administrative requirements becomes eligible for registration and its registered status is granted when it nominates at least one candidate in an election.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:18:53 UTC

g. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:52:41 UTC

a. Age

b. Citizenship

Comments: Any person qualified as an elector may run for an election in the House of Commons. More precisely, any candidate must be a Canadian citizen and be at least 18 years old on election day.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:52:41 UTC

k. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:52:41 UTC

k. Not applicable

Comments: Canada does not have an elected Head of State.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

a. Current criminal incarceration

b. Detention

c. Criminal record

e. Offences against electoral law

g. Holding of government office

n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)

o. Other

Comments: Persons disqualified from being candidates are: those who are not qualified electors on the date of filing nomination papers; those not entitled to vote under the Canada Elections Act, a territorial or provincial legislator; an election officer; a judge appointed by the Governor in Council (Prime Minister), other than a citizenship judge appointed under the Citizenship Act; a sheriff, clerk of the peace or county Crown Attorney in any of the province; a person who was a candidate in a previous election and for whom a return has not been provided. Conviction for an offence of corrupt or illegal practices under the Canada Elections Act can lead to a temporary disqualification from running for office, for a period of five or seven years, depending on the type of offence.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:18:53 UTC

o. Not applicable

Comments: Canada does not have an elected Head of State.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)

Comments: Only the legislative chamber (Chamber 1) has elected seats. Non-affiliated candidates may chose to have a designation as “independent” (or no designation) under their name on the ballot, where affiliated candidates would have the name of their affiliated political party.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

a. Signature requirement (specify)

b. Deposit requirement (specify)

Comments: The requirements are the same for affiliates and independent candidates. Nomination papers must be submitted to the returning officer by the witness of the prospective candidate's sworn consent to the nomination. The papers include a witnessed declaration signed by the candidate stating that he or she accepts the nomination, statements signed by the official agent and the auditor consenting to act in those capacities, the candidate's name, permanent address and occupation, the official agent's name and permanent address, and the name, business address and occupation of the auditor. The nomination papers must be signed before a witness by at least 100 persons who are electors entitled to vote in the riding in which the candidate is seeking nomination (50 signatures are required for candidates in the larger or remote ridings listed in Schedule 3 of the Canada Elections Act). A candidate is also required to pay a deposit of $1,000, reimbursed if the candidate's official agent submits the candidate's election expenses returns and unused official receipts within the required time.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:18:53 UTC

e. Not applicable

Comments: Senators are appointed. In theory, a person does not have to be affiliated to a political party to be appointed to the Senate.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:18:53 UTC

e. Not Applicable

Comments: Canada does not have an elected Head of State.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

b. Direct

c. Indirect

Comments: Political parties that become registered under the Canada Elections Act become entitled to various sources of direct and indirect public funding. Registered political parties that receive at least 2% of the valid votes cast nationally in a general election, or 5% in the ridings where they endorsed a candidate, become entitled to a reimbursement of 50% of their allowable election expenses, and to an annual allowance of $1,75 CANper valid vote obtained in that general election. Candidates that receive at least 10% of the valid votes cast in their riding become entitled to a reimbursement of 60% of their allowable election expenses. In terms of indirect public funding, registered political parties can give receipts for tax credits on political contributions. All political parties receive a certain amount of broadcasting time at no cost (television and radio broadcast) for conveying their message to the electorate.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Comments: Registered political parties that are eligible to the annual allowance receive quarterly instalments, corresponding to $0,4375 CAN per valid vote obtained in the most recent general. Registered political parties that are entitled to a reimbursement of 50% of their allowable election expenses receive one single payment once they have produced their election returns. Candidates who are eligible to a reimbursement of 60% of their allowable election expenses receive two instalments; the first amounts to 15% of their expenses, and the second corresponds to the balance required to equal the total amount to be reimbursed.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

a. Free media access

b. Tax credits

Comments: The Broadcasting Arbitrator, who is appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, is responsible for allocating a period of 6 1/2 hours in broadcasting time to eligible and registered political parties at no cost, using a formula set out in the Canada Elections Act. The Income Tax Act regulates tax credits for contributions to registered political parties and candidates. They correspond to 75% of contributions not exceeding $400 CAN); $300 CANplus 50% of the amount by which the contribution exceeds $400 CAN; the lesser of $475 CAN plus one third of the amount by which the contribution exceeds$750 CAN, or $650 CAN for contributions exceeding$750 CAN.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

b. Based on result of previous election

c. Based on current legislative representation

d. Based on number of candidates put forward in present election

Comments: Annual allowances for registered political parties are based on the number of valid votes obtained nationally in the previous general election. The apportionment of broadcasting time among political parties is based on a formula that gives equal weight to the percentage of seats in the House of Commons and the share of the popular vote in the previous general election, and half weight to the number of candidates endorsed by each of the registered parties at the previous general election, expressed as a percentage of all candidates endorsed by all registered parties at that election.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

b. Election campaign activities

c. Unspecified

Comments: The Canada Elections Act does not specify the purposes funds have to be spent on, except for election reimbursements which are for election expenses.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: Individuals who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, corporations that carry on business in Canada, trade unions that hold bargaining rights for employees in Canada and unincorporated associations may contribute up to a certain annual ceiling.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Comments: Individuals, corporations, unions and unincorporated associations (e.g. trusts) are not allowed to give contributions to registered political parties and must abide by a limit of $1,000 CAN per year on their aggregated contributions to local electoral district associations and candidates. Using the same exchange rate, individuals may donate up to$5,000 CAN dollars per annum; other entities are limited to $1,000 CAN yearly. Individual may donate an additional $5,000 in any single fiscal year to a leadership contestant. Other entities may donate an additional $1,000 CAN to nomination contestants. Individuals and other entities are also allowed to donate an additional $5,000 CAN and $1,000 CAN respectively per election event.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

a. Public disclosure of party contributions received

b. Public disclosure of party expenditure

c. Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources

d. Ceilings on how much money a party can raise

e. Ceilings on party election expenses

f. Electronic reporting of party expenses

g. Electronic reporting of party contributions received

h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports

i. Other

Comments: i) Partial reimbursement of election expenses, allocation of annual subsidies and free broadcasting time.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:18:53 UTC

a. Public disclosure of candidate contributions received

b. Public disclosure of candidate expenditure

c. Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources

d. Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise

e. Ceilings on candidate election expenses

f. Electronic reporting of candidate expenses

g. Electronic reporting of candidate contributions received

h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:58:53 UTC

a. National Electoral Management body

b. Regulated body specially created for this purpose

Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada is responsible for administering the parties’ income and funding regulations. The Commissioner of Canada Elections, who is appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer, has the authority to ensuring compliance with, and enforcing the provisions of the Canada Elections Act.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:18:53 UTC

c. Write-in ballot

d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)

l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names

m. Organized alphabetically

o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official

p. Bilingual

Comments: c) for special ballot only. The same ballot is used nation-wide, but the list of candidates changes from one electoral district to the other to reflect the candidates running in each district. Special ballots, which are used for voting by mail or in advance, are blank templates that allow for the elector to write-in the candidate’s name, and are exactly the same nation-wide.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

s. Not applicable

Comments: Senate appointed
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:23:10 UTC

s. Not Applicable

Comments: No presidential elections in Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

d. Other

Comments: All regular votes cast on polling day are counted at the polling stations. Special mail-in ballots cast from within electors’ districts are returned to the office of the returning officer for each district, and counted there. Special mail-in ballots cast from outside electors’ assigned districts are returned to Elections Canada and counted there.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:23:10 UTC

b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box

c. Tally of voters who voted

d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters

e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)

f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud

j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate

l. Counted by hand

Comments: For ordinary ballots, the deputy returning officer must count the votes in the presence and in full view of the poll clerk and the candidates or their representative, or if the candidates or any of them are absent, in the presence of those candidates that are present, or of at least two electors if none of the candidates are represented.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

c. District level

Source: Ron Gould, Former Assistant Chief Electoral Officer,Elections Canada, gouchiholdings(a)hotmail.com Elections Canada Online (www.elections.ca)
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

b. District level

Comments: Each electoral district comprises one seat, which is allocated to the candidate who receives the most votes.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:23:10 UTC

a. Physically transported

Comments: "The deputy returning officer for a polling station or an advance poll shall, without delay after sealing the ballot box, send the box, with the envelope that contains the original statement of the vote and the envelope that contains the registration certificate, to the returning office."
Source: Ron Gould, Former Assistant Chief Electoral Officer,Elections Canada, gouchiholdings(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:11:13 GMT

a. Ballots

b. Unused and spoiled ballots

c. Counterfoils of used ballots

d. Voter rolls

f. Certificate of result

g. Ballot boxes

h. Other

Comments: The deputy returning officer for a polling station or an advance poll shall, without delay after sealing the ballot box, send the box, with the envelope that contains the original statement of the vote and the envelope that contains the registration certificate, to the returning office. Source: Elections Canada
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals

e. Accompanied by election officials

f. Accompanied by party representatives

Comments: A returning officer, on the receipt of each ballot box, shall take every precaution to prevent any other person, except the assistant returning officer, from having access to it; and examine and record the condition of the seals affixed to it and if necessary affix new seals.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:23:10 UTC

c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions

d. By request

e. Court order

Comments: Any elector may apply to a judge for a recount within 4 days of the returning officer issuing a certificate of votes cast. The judge shall fix the date for a recount within 4 days of receiving the request.A judicial recount must take place if the difference between the number of votes cast for the candidate with the most votes and the number of votes cast for any other candidate is less than one one-thousandth of the votes cast. Upon application by an elector, a judge may conduct a judicial recount if there is credible affidavit evidence that the deputy returning officer incorrectly counted or rejected ballots; the deputy returning officer made an incorrect statement of the vote; or the returning officer incorrectly added up the votes.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

a. Closeness of results

Comments: A judicial recount must take place if the difference between the number of votes cast for the candidate with the most votes and the number of votes cast for any other candidate is less than one one-thousandth of the votes cast.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

f. Other

Comments: Any elector may request a recount. This definition would include representatives of political parties, individual candidates and election officials.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

h. Courts

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: Preliminary results are transmitted to the media electronically as they unfold and posted on the Elections Canada Web site; they remain available for consultation until the final results are posted.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

a. hours: 1

Comments: Within 30 minutes to 1 hour following close of polls.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: Each returning officer must validate the count of the valid votes cast in his/her electoral district.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

b. days:

Comments: Each returning officer is required to declare elected the candidate who has obtained the largest number of votes immediately after the sixth day following the date on which he has completed the validation of the votes. This requirement is waived in those cases where there is a recount.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:25:47 UTC

a. National Electoral Management Body

g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations

h. Political parties/ candidates

i. Media

Comments: According to the Canada Elections Act, the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada has the mandate to implement public education and information programs. The media, political parties, non-governmental organizations and missions abroad also contribute to the voter information campaigns during federal elections, however, this is not regulated by the Act.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:47:37 UTC

a. Continuously

Comments: Even though voter information outreach and programs peek during electoral events, outreach, information and education drives, particularly among groups of electors that are more likely to encounter obstacles in using their right to vote, are carried out by Elections Canada on a continuous basis.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:47:59 UTC

a. No

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:48:44 UTC

a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns

b. Media advertisement

c. Simulation exercises

f. Mail-outs

g. Internet

h. Other

Comments: For more details on voter information activities, please consult the Statutory Report on the 2006 general election on www.elections.ca.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:48:44 UTC

i. Not applicable

Comments:
Source: Ron Gould
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:50:03 UTC

a. Disabled

b. Young people/ first time voters

d. Ethnic minorities

e. Indigenous groups

f. Illiterates

g. Other

Comments: For more details on special voter education programs, please consult the Chief Electoral Officer’s Statutory Report on the 2006 general election on www.elections.ca.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:50:03 UTC

a. 91-100%

Comments: 100% of election supplies are bought from Canadian suppliers.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:02:03 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: Code of Professional Conduct for Returning Officers.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:02:03 UTC

a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections

d. At specially designated polling stations

e. At mobile polling stations

f. By mail

Comments: Currently, electors can vote at the advance polls (3 days) and at a polling station on election day. In addition, the Special Voting Rules provisions of the Canada Elections Act provide specific provisions for voting by using a special mail-in ballot. Any elector can request to vote by mail, a system that is systematically used for electors voting from abroad. Electors can also vote using the Special Voting Rules provisions by visiting the office of the returning officer in their electoral district, at any time during a campaign up to the end of the sixth day preceding the election.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:02:03 UTC

b. Citizens residing outside the country

c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)

d. Members of the armed forces

e. Students

f. Diplomatic staff

Comments: Any eligible voter who is travelling or residing outside the country during an election may vote by special mail-in ballot under the Special Voting Rules, as long as his or her absence from the country does not exceed five consecutive years. The ballots may be delivered to a Canadian mission in time for delivery to Elections Canada by 6:00 p.m. polling day, or sent directly to Elections Canada in Ottawa for 6:00 p.m. polling day.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:02:03 UTC

a. Embassies

b. Consulates

e. By mail

f. Other

Comments: Voting kits may be ordered from, and delivered to embassies, consulates and high missions or to any other address provided, and returned from any location around the world, as long as they reach Elections Canada’s headquarters in Ottawa by 6:00 p.m. on election day.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:02:03 UTC

b. Yes

Comments: Advance polls must be open between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. of Friday, Saturday, and Monday, the tenth, ninth, and seventh days before the ordinary polling day, and must not be open at any other time. Electors, such as members of the military or the incarcerated, who applied for a special ballot, may vote by mail via the Special Voting Rules. Mobile polls are set up in institutions with people with reduced mobility.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:02:03 UTC

a. At special advance polling centers

b. By mail

d. At mobile polling stations

Comments: Advance polls must be open between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. of Friday, Saturday, and Monday, the tenth, ninth, and seventh days before the ordinary polling day, and must not be open at any other time. Electors, such as members of the military or the incarcerated, who applied for a special ballot, may vote by mail via the Special Voting Rules. Mobile polls are set up in institutions with people with reduced mobility.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:06:42 UTC

a. Everyone

Comments: There are no restrictions on who can vote by the various voting methods available.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:06:42 UTC

a. Yes

Comments: In establishing the limits of polling divisions, one of the criteria is to provide voting facilities for 450 electors on average. There is a minimum requirement of 250 electors per polling division.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:06:42 UTC

a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: X

Comments: a) One polling station is established for each polling division. Each polling division shall contain at least 250 electors unless the Chief Electoral Officer agrees otherwise. Because of the number of electors on the list of electors for the polling division, several polling stations can be established for a polling division.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:20:12 UTC

a. By manually marking the ballot

Comments: Two types of paper ballots are used: the regular one used on polling day lists the candidates and their affiliation) and the Special ballot (on which electors need to write the name of the candidate they vote for) used for the purpose of the Special Voting Rules.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 10:08:42 UTC

a. The smallest polling station: 7
b. The largest polling station: 7

Comments: The following election officers could be assigned to a voting station: Deputy returning officer; poll clerk; registration officer; information officer; central poll supervisor; person responsible for maintaining order at the polls; and person appointed to collect ballot boxes
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:20:12 UTC

a. hours: 2

Comments: All returning officers, assistant returning officers and automation coordinators attended a comprehensive 3-day training session.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:20:12 UTC

Comments: Depending on the position, training can range from one hour to one day.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-13 10:20:12 UTC

c. 18

Source: Elections Act, Clause 3.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:55:43 UTC

a. Citizenship

e. Other

Comments: In order to be entitled to vote, a Canadian citizen must not have been living outside Canada for a period exceeding five years.
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:42:51 UTC

d. Election Management Body (specify)

Comments: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (Elections Canada)
Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:45:43 UTC

b. No

Source: Elections Canada
Last updated: 2006-12-11 09:45:43 UTC

a. Percentage: 1

Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:45:45 UTC