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 federalelectoral districts every ten years
Reporting to Parliament on the administration of elections and referendums
TheHouse of Commons of Canada appoints thechief electoral officer to head the agency. The chief electoral officer also appoints thecommissioner of Canada elections (French:Commissaire aux élections fédérales), who ensures that theCanada Elections Act is enforced.[10] 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.[11][12][13] The chief electoral officer is seconded by the deputy chief electoral officer, chief legal counsel and around 500 to 600 staff, mainly situated in theNational 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 theCanada Elections Act.[10][14]
Before 2018, the commissioner was appointed in consultation with thedirector of public prosecutions and was overseen by the director, but has since become part of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.[15]
^Legally,Elections Canada is aname under which theOffice of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (French:Bureau du directeurgénéral 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]
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