Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The number and boundaries of electoral districts are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in population.In Quebec, New Brunswick and Nunavut the electoral quota is based on the total number of electors, rather than on the population. Elections Canada completed the redistribution of the boundaries of electoral districts in 2023 in order to guarantee proportionate representation of voters.
Source: The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada, Elections Canada(2014)
http://www.elections.ca/res/loi/com/compoverview2014sep_e.pdf
Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act (1985)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-3.pdf
http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=cir/red&document=index&lang=e
Verified: 2025/03/28
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
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: The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada, Elections Canada (2014)
http://www.elections.ca/res/loi/com/compoverview2014sep_e.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . Executive d . Boundary Commission
Comments: An independent electoral boundaries commission is established to determine electoral boundaries in all jurisdictions, except Ontario. Federally, a separate boundaries commission is established for each province.
For each decennial census, the Governor in Council shall establish by proclamation,published in the Canada Gazette, an electoral boundaries commission for each province.
Source: The Compendium of Election Administration in Canada, Elections Canada (2014)
http://www.elections.ca/res/loi/com/compoverview2014sep_e.pdf
Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act (1984)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-3.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: Canada is a constitutional monarchy and its head of state is His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada. The monarch’s representative in Canada is the Governor General. In 1953, a Canadian law, the Royal Style and Titles Act, formally conferred upon Elizabeth II the title of "Queen of Canada", the first monarch to be separately proclaimed Sovereign of Canada. The proclamation reaffirmed the new monarch's position as Queen of Canada, independent from her role as Queen of the United Kingdom or other Commonwealth realms. This remains the case with King Charles III.
Source: Constitution Acts of Canada, 1867-1982, Art. 9-10; http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/CONST_E.pdf
The Royal Style and Titles Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. R-12): http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/R-12/page-1.html
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
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 the leader of the party that commands the majority of seats (in the case of a majority government), or commands 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: Constitution Acts of Canada, 1867-1982, Art. 11
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/CONST_E.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution Acts of Canada, 1867-1982
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/CONST_E.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: There shall be One Parliament for Canada, consisting of the King, an Upper House styled the Senate, and the House of Commons. (Art. 17
Source: Constitution Acts of Canada, 1867-1982, Art. 17
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/CONST_E.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Commons seats 343 members elected by direct popular vote from ridings (constituencies) across Canada.
Source: Elections Canada: General Information: The Electoral System of Canada (http://www.elections.ca/res/ces/esoc_e.pdf)
Constitution Acts of Canada, 1867-1982, Art. 37
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/CONST_E.pdf
Elections Canada News Releases and Media Advisories, December 19, 2011 http://elections.ca/content.aspx?section=med&document=dec1911&dir=pre&lang=e
Verified: 2025/03/28
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments: 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: Electoral Law: Canada Elections Act (2015)
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Constitution Acts of Canada, 1867-1982
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/CONST_E.pdf
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Art.2-3
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/CH37-4-3-2002E.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
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: Electoral Law: Canada Elections Act (2015)
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
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: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 3
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
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 offense under the Act.
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 479 & 522-532
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
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. The Chief Electoral Officer exercises general direction and supervision over elections.
Source: The Canada Elections Act, Clause 16
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
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 (www.elections.ca)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
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 (2014): Compendium of Election Administration in Canada: A Comparative Overview (http://www.elections.ca/res/loi/com/compoverview2014sep_e.pdf)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The position of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (CEO) was created in 1920 by the Dominion Elections Act. He or she 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: Compendium of Election Administration: Elections Canada (2014)(http://www.elections.ca/res/loi/com/compoverview2014sep_e.pdf)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)is appointed by a resolution of the House of Commons. He or she reports directly to Parliament and is completely independent of the government of the day and all political parties. The CEO serves until retirement at age 65 or resignation. He or she can be removed from office only for cause, by the Governor General after a joint request following a majority vote by the House of Commons and Senate.
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_inlay_final.pdf
Elections Canada:The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada: Appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer (http://elections.ca/content.asp?section=ceo&document=index&dir=app&lang=e&textonly=false)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: There is 1 member - the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_inlay_final.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_inlay_final.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_inlay_final.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
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.
Elections Canada has information available to voters on its website in both English and French.
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 18
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Elections Canada:http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&lang=e
Verified: 2025/03/28
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: Even though voter information outreach and programs peak 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 (www.elections.ca)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Elections Canada (www.elections.ca)
Verified: 2025/03/28
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 3
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
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.
Those who are confined to a correctional institution for a period exceeding 2 years are not eligible to vote.
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 3-6, 11&12
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (Elections Canada)
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 44
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 48-49 & 52
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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: The Canada Elections Act (2015)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Elections Canada: Backgrounders: Registration of Federal Political Parties (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90530&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
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.
A person who is disentitled under paragraph 502(3)(a) while they are so disentitled, a member of the legislature of a province, the Council of the Northwest Territories or the Legislative Assembly of Yukon or Nunavut, a sheriff, clerk of the peace or county Crown Attorney in any of the provinces, a person who is not entitled under section 4 to vote, a judge appointed by the Governor in Council, other than a citizenship judge appointed under the Citizenship Act, a person who is imprisoned in a correctional institution, an election officer and a person who was a candidate in a previous election and for whom a return, report, document or declaration has not been provided under subsection 451(1), if the time and any extension for providing it have expired.
-Canada Elections Act, Part 3 (Candidates), Clause 65
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Part 3
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
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 (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=faq&document=faqpol&lang=e&textonly=false#elec7)
The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clauses 3,4 & 65
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
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 CAN per 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: Backgrounders: Financing of Registered Political Parties – New Rules on January 1, 2004 (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90532&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
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 party must receive at least 2 percent of the valid votes cast, or at least 5 percent of the valid votes cast in the electoral districts in which the party endorsed a candidate. 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:Backgrounders:Financing of Registered Political Parties – New Rules on January 1, 2004 (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90532&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
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.Any individual who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada may contribute up to $5,000 in total in a calendar year to a particular registered party
Source: Backgrounders:Financing of Registered Political Parties – New Rules on January 1, 2004 (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90532&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false)
Verified: 2025/03/28
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
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: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Part 12, Division 6
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
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 (www.elections.ca)
The Canada Elections Act (2015), Part 14 (Judicial Recount)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
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: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 338-339
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 319
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
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.
Source: The Canada Elections Act, Clause 328
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: Electoral law addresses overall campaign expenditure.
Source: Elections Canada: Backgrounders: Financing of Registered Political Parties – New Rules on January 1, 2004 (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90532&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false)
Verified: 2025/03/28
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Referendum Act (1992) governs the use of referenda placed to citizens. Referenda may be called by the Governor in Council:
Where the Governor in Council 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, the Governor in Council may, by proclamation, direct that the opinion of electors be obtained by putting the question to the electors of Canada or of one or more provinces specified in the proclamation at a referendum called for that purpose.
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Referendum Act (1992)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/R-4.7.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: b) Referendum Act; Canada Elections Act as Adapted for the purposes of a Referendum.
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
c . Never binding
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Verified: 2025/03/28
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
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: "Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook", (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/upload/Voting_from_abroad.pdf)
The Canada Elections Act (2015), Part 9 (Voting), Part 10 (Advance Polling) & Part 11
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
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: "Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook", (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/upload/Voting_from_abroad.pdf)
The Canada Elections Act, Part 9 (Voting), Part 10 (Advance Polling) & Part 11
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
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: "Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook", (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/upload/Voting_from_abroad.pdf)
Electoral Law: Canada Elections Act, Part 9 (Voting)& Part 11
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
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: Glossary (http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=index&dir=glo&lang=e&anchor=b&textonly=false#b)
The Canada Elections Act, Part 8 Art. 115
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
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