Latest news with #CanadaElectionsAct
Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Lowering Canada's voting age to 16 is her 'top parliamentary priority,' senator says
Article content Britain's voting age last fell in 1969, when the U.K. became one of the first major democracies to lower it from 21 to 18. Many other countries quickly followed suit; Canada lowered its voting age to 18 in 1970. Article content Several countries already have a voting age of 16, including Austria, Brazil and Ecuador. Scotland and Wales allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local and regional elections. Article content Michael Wigginton, a post-doctoral fellow in political science at Carleton University, said the U.K. government's decision represents a 'fairly natural progression,' coming a decade after Scotland started allowing 16-year-olds to vote for members of the Scottish Parliament and in municipal elections. Article content 'Having that sort of local example to point to makes it easier for both politicians and the public at large to feel comfortable that the reform can work for the U.K. Parliament and not have negative effects,' said Wigginton. Article content Article content Efforts are being made across Canada to lower the voting age. Article content In 2021, young Canadians filed an application at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to challenge the voting age, arguing that the Canada Elections Act is in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is unconstitutional. Article content Toronto recently passed a motion allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in polls at the neighbourhood level on planning and policy issues. And a provincial committee looking at ways to boost democratic engagement in B.C. is examining a lower voting age. Article content Wigginton said that while he doesn't expect Canada to immediately adopt a voting age of 16, having the U.K. as an example will 'definitely push the issue into the spotlight more and increase the chances of it happening it the future.' Article content 'What I see is most likely is that one or more provinces will adopt a lower voting age first and then the federal government may eventually follow suit,' he said.
Malaysian Reserve
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Commissioner of Canada Elections announces compliance and enforcement measures under the Canada Elections Act and the Criminal Code
GATINEAU, QC, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ – The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE), Caroline J. Simard, announced today the publication of compliance and enforcement measures to address contraventions under the Canada Elections Act (the Act) and the Criminal Code, including three charges, 11 administrative monetary penalties (AMPs), and two undertakings. To maintain transparency, details related to these measures are published on the CCE's website. On June 26, 2025, in the City of Windsor, Ontario, the CCE laid three charges. The charges relate to an investigation into an individual who acted as the official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election. Under the Act, the individual is accused of submitting an incomplete campaign return and depositing an election campaign reimbursement cheque issued by Elections Canada in their personal bank account. The individual is also charged under the Criminal Code for committing theft of a value of more than $5,000 while acting in their role of official agent. Notices of violation imposing AMPs were also issued to: A union that failed to provide its interim expense return within the required deadline. The official agent for a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who failed to report on the payment of a claim or loan and the source of the funds used to pay the claim, within the required deadline. An electoral district association that failed to provide, within the required deadline, the annual statement certifying the validity of its information in the registry of electoral district associations. The leader of a political party who made an ineligible loan that exceeded the limit set by the Act. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the CCE's review. The leader of a political party who made a contribution that exceeded the limit set out by the Act. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the CCE's review. An individual who voted during the 2021 federal general election even though they were not a Canadian citizen. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the Chief Electoral Officer's review. An individual who voted twice in the same electoral district during the 2021 federal general election. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the Chief Electoral Officer's review. The official agent for a candidate during the 2019 general federal election who accepted contributions that exceeded the limit set out in the Act. The official agent for a candidate for the 2019 general federal election who did not dispose of the surplus of electoral funds as required by the Act. An official agent for a candidate from the 2019 federal general election who failed to dispose of the campaign's surplus within 60 days as required by the Act. The official agent of a candidate during the 2019 federal general election who failed to provide documents evidencing the expenses in the campaign's financial return. The CCE also accepted an undertaking from the official agent of a candidate during the 2019 general federal election who failed to pay a claim related to a campaign expense within the required deadline. The official agent also failed to provide an updated version of the statement of unpaid claims. Furthermore, the CCE accepted an undertaking from the financial agent of an electoral district association for failing to provide a financial return within the required deadline following the 2021 general federal election. Related information The CCE is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Act and the Referendum Act. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is distinct from Elections Canada and carries out a different mandate. AMPs are administrative tools that the CCE can use to address violations under the Act and they aim to promote compliance with the Act. More information about AMPs can be found in the CCE's Policy for the Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime. An undertaking is a pledge made by a person or entity that did not comply with a requirement of the Act, and accepted by the Commissioner, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Act. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) is responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction. The PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to federal law enforcement agencies across Canada. Contacts For complaints and non-media-related enquiries, please use our online form. To receive updates from the CCE, subscribe to our email alerts. Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube.
Cision Canada
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Commissioner of Canada Elections announces compliance and enforcement measures under the Canada Elections Act and the Criminal Code
GATINEAU, QC, /CNW/ - The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE), Caroline J. Simard, announced today the publication of compliance and enforcement measures to address contraventions under the Canada Elections Act (the Act) and the Criminal Code, including three charges, 11 administrative monetary penalties (AMPs), and two undertakings. To maintain transparency, details related to these measures are published on the CCE's website. On June 26, 2025, in the City of Windsor, Ontario, the CCE laid three charges. The charges relate to an investigation into an individual who acted as the official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election. Under the Act, the individual is accused of submitting an incomplete campaign return and depositing an election campaign reimbursement cheque issued by Elections Canada in their personal bank account. The individual is also charged under the Criminal Code for committing theft of a value of more than $5,000 while acting in their role of official agent. Notices of violation imposing AMPs were also issued to: A union that failed to provide its interim expense return within the required deadline. The official agent for a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who failed to report on the payment of a claim or loan and the source of the funds used to pay the claim, within the required deadline. An electoral district association that failed to provide, within the required deadline, the annual statement certifying the validity of its information in the registry of electoral district associations. The leader of a political party who made an ineligible loan that exceeded the limit set by the Act. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the CCE's review. The leader of a political party who made a contribution that exceeded the limit set out by the Act. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the CCE's review. An individual who voted during the 2021 federal general election even though they were not a Canadian citizen. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the Chief Electoral Officer's review. An individual who voted twice in the same electoral district during the 2021 federal general election. The AMP amount was confirmed upon the Chief Electoral Officer's review. The official agent for a candidate during the 2019 general federal election who accepted contributions that exceeded the limit set out in the Act. The official agent for a candidate for the 2019 general federal election who did not dispose of the surplus of electoral funds as required by the Act. An official agent for a candidate from the 2019 federal general election who failed to dispose of the campaign's surplus within 60 days as required by the Act. The official agent of a candidate during the 2019 federal general election who failed to provide documents evidencing the expenses in the campaign's financial return. The CCE also accepted an undertaking from the official agent of a candidate during the 2019 general federal election who failed to pay a claim related to a campaign expense within the required deadline. The official agent also failed to provide an updated version of the statement of unpaid claims. Furthermore, the CCE accepted an undertaking from the financial agent of an electoral district association for failing to provide a financial return within the required deadline following the 2021 general federal election. The CCE is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Act and the Referendum Act. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is distinct from Elections Canada and carries out a different mandate. AMPs are administrative tools that the CCE can use to address violations under the Act and they aim to promote compliance with the Act. More information about AMPs can be found in the CCE's Policy for the Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime. An undertaking is a pledge made by a person or entity that did not comply with a requirement of the Act, and accepted by the Commissioner, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Act. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) is responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction. The PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to federal law enforcement agencies across Canada. Contacts For complaints and non-media-related enquiries, please use our online form. email alerts.
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
The Commissioner of Canada Elections releases preliminary statistics on complaints received during the 45th federal general election Français
GATINEAU, QC, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - For the purposes of transparency for Canadians, the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE or Commissioner), Caroline J. Simard today, released preliminary statistics on complaints received during the 45 th federal general election, which took place between March 23 to April 28, 2025. The CCE is the independent officer responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of the Canada Elections Act (the Act). As such, she may receive complaints from anyone, including the public and political entities, who believes they have witnessed a contravention of the Act at any time, including during an election period and a by-election. The Commissioner has sole jurisdiction for compliance and enforcement activities carried out under the Act. Preliminary Statistics on the 45th General Election During the election period, the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (OCCE) received a total of 16,115 complaints. Taking into account the amplification phenomenon, which occurs when a single issue generates several thousand complaints in a matter of hours, the OCCE received seven times more complaints than in the previous two elections. Anecdotally, towards the beginning of the campaign period, the OCCE was receiving up to 650 complaints per hour. Absent this amplification, the number of distinct issues raised with the office was two times greater than what was observed in 2019 and 2021. This high volume of complaints received by the OCCE over the course of the 45 th federal general election demonstrates an exceptional level of engagement from Canadians concerned about the integrity of elections. To-date, 2,330 complaint files have been processed and closed. Some were resolved informally thanks to the work of the OCCE's investigators. Others simply fell outside of the Commissioner's mandate. Complaints relating to Foreign Interference, Artificial Intelligence and other issues In the months and weeks leading up to the election, the OCCE made sustained efforts to prepare for the challenges posed by foreign interference, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and voter intimidation. To date, preliminary data shows that the number of complaints related to these types of allegations remains below predictions made prior to the election campaign. It is important to note, however, that the complexity of certain cases may only become apparent upon closer review. Should those issues materialize, the OCCE is well prepared to address them. Furthermore, several complaints submitted to the Commissioner highlight the difference between the public's perception of the law and the legal interpretation of what may constitute a contravention of the Act. It is also common that, after a thorough review of the information provided by and discussions with complainants, some complaints may reveal contraventions of the Canada Elections Act that differ from the allegations initially raised with the office. For that reason, it is important to note that these preliminary figures represent raw data that are subject to change over time. The OCCE continues to receive complaints or files referred by other organizations regarding potential contraventions of the Act. It is therefore still too early to draw general conclusions. However, based on the OCCE's initial observations, there is no evidence to suggest that the election results were affected by these issues. Ongoing Assessment and Investigative Work The work of the Commissioner and her team does not end on election day. While the office was able to achieve immediate compliance in some cases during the election period, others will require more in-depth review, and some may be subject to formal investigations. The triage, assessment, and review of complaints and information received during the election period will continue in the coming months. The timeframe may be longer for particularly complex cases that require the initiation of an investigation. To its existing caseload, the OCCE must also address the influx of referrals from other Government of Canada department and agencies, particularly Elections Canada. These referrals will be sent to the OCCE in the coming months and will all be reviewed through the lens of the Act. Formal compliance and enforcement measures related to the 45 th general federal election will be made public. As is the OCCE's customary practice, all final data related to the 2025 general election will be published in its 2025–2026 annual report. For reference: Quotes "While my office did receive complaints regarding allegations related to foreign interference, the use of artificial intelligence, and disinformation, it was certainly not of the magnitude we anticipated in most cases. So far, based on our initial observations and the information we have, there is no evidence to suggest that the election outcome was affected in any way." "The volume and diverse nature of the complaints we received demonstrates Canadians' engagement and awareness of the Act, as well as their confidence in our ability to help ensure the integrity of the electoral process." "Our compliance and enforcement work under the Act is an ongoing process that extends well beyond a federal election. Our operational efforts will continue for the foreseeable future and will be carried out in accordance with our guiding principles: rigor, independence, transparency, and fairness." – Caroline J. Simard, Commissioner of Canada Elections Quick facts The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is the sole organization responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Canada Elections Act. The Commissioner also has the power to investigate contraventions of the Act and may, where appropriate, take appropriate compliance measures. The OCCE, made up of nearly 100 employees and contractors, received 16,115 complaints during the election period, from March 23 to April 28, 2025. As of April 28, the OCCE had already closed 2,330 cases, and 13,781 were still under review. To date, based on initial observations, the Commissioner has found no evidence to suggest that the election results were affected. The number of complaints received by the OCCE during the general election is more than double the number recorded during the 2019 and 2021 general elections. Taking into account amplification, this number increases to nearly seven times more complaints than what was received during the two previous general elections. The amplification phenomenon is largely attributed to the use of social media, which can increase the reach of information and facilitate its mass transmission. Several complaints alleging foreign interference and artificial intelligence have been submitted to the OCCE, but it is too early to determine whether there has been a contravention of the Act. The categories of complaints received by the OCCE include: alleged attempts to prevent or alter the broadcast of election advertising; the distribution of photographs or videos of a ballot; the publication of false statements about candidates. For complaints and non-media-related enquiries, please use our online form.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Commissioner of Canada Elections releases preliminary statistics on complaints received during the 45th federal general election
GATINEAU, QC, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - For the purposes of transparency for Canadians, the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE or Commissioner), Caroline J. Simard today, released preliminary statistics on complaints received during the 45th federal general election, which took place between March 23 to April 28, 2025. The CCE is the independent officer responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of the Canada Elections Act (the Act). As such, she may receive complaints from anyone, including the public and political entities, who believes they have witnessed a contravention of the Act at any time, including during an election period and a by-election. The Commissioner has sole jurisdiction for compliance and enforcement activities carried out under the Act. Preliminary Statistics on the 45th General Election During the election period, the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (OCCE) received a total of 16,115 complaints. Taking into account the amplification phenomenon, which occurs when a single issue generates several thousand complaints in a matter of hours, the OCCE received seven times more complaints than in the previous two elections. Anecdotally, towards the beginning of the campaign period, the OCCE was receiving up to 650 complaints per hour. Absent this amplification, the number of distinct issues raised with the office was two times greater than what was observed in 2019 and 2021. This high volume of complaints received by the OCCE over the course of the 45th federal general election demonstrates an exceptional level of engagement from Canadians concerned about the integrity of elections. To-date, 2,330 complaint files have been processed and closed. Some were resolved informally thanks to the work of the OCCE's investigators. Others simply fell outside of the Commissioner's mandate. Complaints relating to Foreign Interference, Artificial Intelligence and other issues In the months and weeks leading up to the election, the OCCE made sustained efforts to prepare for the challenges posed by foreign interference, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and voter intimidation. To date, preliminary data shows that the number of complaints related to these types of allegations remains below predictions made prior to the election campaign. It is important to note, however, that the complexity of certain cases may only become apparent upon closer review. Should those issues materialize, the OCCE is well prepared to address them. Furthermore, several complaints submitted to the Commissioner highlight the difference between the public's perception of the law and the legal interpretation of what may constitute a contravention of the Act. It is also common that, after a thorough review of the information provided by and discussions with complainants, some complaints may reveal contraventions of the Canada Elections Act that differ from the allegations initially raised with the office. For that reason, it is important to note that these preliminary figures represent raw data that are subject to change over time. The OCCE continues to receive complaints or files referred by other organizations regarding potential contraventions of the Act. It is therefore still too early to draw general conclusions. However, based on the OCCE's initial observations, there is no evidence to suggest that the election results were affected by these issues. Ongoing Assessment and Investigative Work The work of the Commissioner and her team does not end on election day. While the office was able to achieve immediate compliance in some cases during the election period, others will require more in-depth review, and some may be subject to formal investigations. The triage, assessment, and review of complaints and information received during the election period will continue in the coming months. The timeframe may be longer for particularly complex cases that require the initiation of an investigation. To its existing caseload, the OCCE must also address the influx of referrals from other Government of Canada department and agencies, particularly Elections Canada. These referrals will be sent to the OCCE in the coming months and will all be reviewed through the lens of the Act. Formal compliance and enforcement measures related to the 45th general federal election will be made public. As is the OCCE's customary practice, all final data related to the 2025 general election will be published in its 2025–2026 annual report. For reference: How referrals from Elections Canada work The year 2023-2024 in review Year in review: 2022 Quotes "While my office did receive complaints regarding allegations related to foreign interference, the use of artificial intelligence, and disinformation, it was certainly not of the magnitude we anticipated in most cases. So far, based on our initial observations and the information we have, there is no evidence to suggest that the election outcome was affected in any way." "The volume and diverse nature of the complaints we received demonstrates Canadians' engagement and awareness of the Act, as well as their confidence in our ability to help ensure the integrity of the electoral process." "Our compliance and enforcement work under the Act is an ongoing process that extends well beyond a federal election. Our operational efforts will continue for the foreseeable future and will be carried out in accordance with our guiding principles: rigor, independence, transparency, and fairness." – Caroline J. Simard, Commissioner of Canada Elections Quick facts The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is the sole organization responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Canada Elections Act. The Commissioner also has the power to investigate contraventions of the Act and may, where appropriate, take appropriate compliance measures. The OCCE, made up of nearly 100 employees and contractors, received 16,115 complaints during the election period, from March 23 to April 28, 2025. As of April 28, the OCCE had already closed 2,330 cases, and 13,781 were still under review. To date, based on initial observations, the Commissioner has found no evidence to suggest that the election results were affected. The number of complaints received by the OCCE during the general election is more than double the number recorded during the 2019 and 2021 general elections. Taking into account amplification, this number increases to nearly seven times more complaints than what was received during the two previous general elections. The amplification phenomenon is largely attributed to the use of social media, which can increase the reach of information and facilitate its mass transmission. Several complaints alleging foreign interference and artificial intelligence have been submitted to the OCCE, but it is too early to determine whether there has been a contravention of the Act. The categories of complaints received by the OCCE include: alleged attempts to prevent or alter the broadcast of election advertising; the distribution of photographs or videos of a ballot; the publication of false statements about candidates. Note: To view the infographics accompanying this press release, a printable PDF version is available on the website of the Commissioner of Federal Elections: News Releases: Commissioner of Canada Elections ( For complaints and non-media-related enquiries, please use our online form. To receive updates from the CCE, subscribe to our email alerts. Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube. SOURCE Commissioner of Canada Elections View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
