Complaints

There are several organizations responsible for handling complaints under the Canada Elections Act. The nature of your complaint will determine which organization will be responsible for evaluating the issue.

Commissioner of Canada Elections

The Commissioner of Canada Elections is the independent officer whose duty is to ensure that the Canada Elections Actand the Referendum Act are complied with and enforced.

Anyone with a complaint or allegation of wrongdoing should refer it to the Commissioner. Each complaint is reviewed to determine whether there is a basis for the allegation. When she considers a complaint to be well founded, the Commissioner may conduct an investigation.

If you wish to make a complaint about a possible violation of the Canada Elections Act or the Referendum Act, please visit our When Should I Complain? section.

Elections Canada

Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament and whose task is to administer electoral events.

Please contact Elections Canada directly for these issues:

  • To complain about service to voters or the way the election is run
  • To confirm information on when and where to vote

Call 1-800-463-6868 or contact Elections Canada directly.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Individuals or organizations making automated calls to voters during an election period are subject to certain requirements under the Canada Elections Act. These provisions are administered and enforced by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The CRTC is also responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules. These rules regulate the conduct and practices of those making automated calls. For additional information about these regulations, you are encouraged to visit the CRTC's Web site.

Voter Contact Rules:

Telemarketing and Unwanted Calls

What details should I provide in a complaint about a possible Canada Elections Act violation?

To respond to complaints about alleged violations, the Commissioner of Canada Elections requires the following minimum information:

  1. Your name, mailing address and telephone number.
  2. Your e-mail address and fax number, if applicable.

    If you are submitting the complaint on behalf of another person or organization, please also include the name of that person or organization (the complainant) and their contact information (mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address and fax number, if applicable).
  3. A factual description of the events, circumstances or actions that you believe gave rise to the alleged offence.

Please include specific dates, places and/or documents that you believe are relevant. This information will enable the Commissioner to assess your complaint; without it, assessment of your complaint may be delayed.

Keep in mind:

  • The passage of time may significantly affect the Commissioner's ability to deal with a complaint.

Supporting Documents

If you have supporting documentation that you wish to submit with your complaint, you may send them to the Commissioner using one of the following channels. Be sure to include your contact information.

By email: info@cef-cce.ca
By fax: 1-800-663-4908 or 819-939-1801
By postal mail:
Commissioner of Canada Elections
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M6

Your Privacy

The information provided in your complaint is collected to investigate potential contraventions of the Canada Elections Act, the Referendum Act and other related laws. It is compiled for the purposes of carrying out investigations, concluding compliance agreements, issuing caution letters and making recommendations for prosecution. This information is used for investigative purposes by the Commissioner of Canada Elections, by law enforcement agencies when requested by the Commissioner and by the courts in enforcement proceedings. Some of this information may be shared with the RCMP for criminal investigations related to electoral matters or for the RCMP to assist the Commissioner's Office investigators. Some personal information may be shared with Elections Canada to further an investigation or enquiry. For more information, please see our document entitled Important Notices.

In addition, if your complaint concerns a matter that falls outside the Commissioner of Canada Elections' jurisdiction, your complaint may be transferred to another federal government institution such as Elections Canada or the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

Code of Communications

We are committed to engaging in respectful, professional and courteous communications with all Canadians who interact with our Office.

We expect the same from you.

Abusive behaviour or communications directed towards our personnel will not be tolerated. This includes threats, harassment, yelling, and sexist, obscene or discriminatory comments.

Individuals who choose not to observe this Code of Communications may receive only written correspondence from our Office. Abusive behaviour may result in a decision to terminate future interactions with you.

We have adopted these rules because, by law, we have to provide our personnel with a safe, healthy, and violence-free work environment.


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