Registering political parties, electoral district associations, and third parties that engage in election advertising
Administering the allowances paid to registered political parties
Monitoring election spending by candidates, political parties and third parties
Publishing financial information on political parties, electoral district associations, candidates, nomination contestants, leadership contestants and third parties
Supporting the independent commissions responsible for adjusting the boundaries of federal electoral districts every ten years
Reporting to Parliament on the administration of elections and referendums
Appointments and staff
The House of Commons of Canada appoints the chief electoral officer to head the agency. The chief electoral officer also appoints the commissioner of Canada elections (French: Commissaire aux élections fédérales), who ensures that the Canada Elections Act is enforced.[9] The broadcasting arbitrator (French: Arbitre en matière de radiodiffusion), who allocates paid and free broadcasting time during electoral events, is appointed by a unanimous decision of registered political parties in the House of Commons, or by the chief electoral officer if the parties fail to agree a candidate.[10][11][12] The chief electoral officer is seconded by the deputy chief electoral officer, chief legal counsel and around 500 to 600 staff, mainly situated in the National Capital Region.[2][4] During a general election or referendum, this rises to 235,000 workers[2]
The Commissioner of Canada Elections is responsible for regulating federal electoral events and enforcing compliance with the Canada Elections Act.[9][13]
Before 2018, the commissioner was appointed in consultation with the director of public prosecutions and was overseen by the director, but has since become part of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.[14]
^Legally, Elections Canada is a name under which the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (French: Bureau du directeur
général des élections du Canada) conducts electoral administration and oversight of political funding.[4][1][3] Elections Canada itself is not a legal entity - the chief electoral officer exercises most powers or delegates them to staff of the office, and the commissioner of Canada elections exercises others.[5][4]