Commissioner of Canada Elections Annual Report 2022
Mandate
The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE or Commissioner) is the independent officer responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Canada Elections Act (the Act) and the Referendum Act.
The current Commissioner, Caroline J. Simard, assumed her position on August 15, 2022.
The importance of the CCE’s role in safeguarding elections in Canada
- The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is one of the few investigative bodies in the world that is exclusively responsible for ensuring that federal electoral legislation is respected. The Commissioner’s role underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of Canada’s electoral process.
- The Commissioner and her staff handle complaints about federal elections and conduct investigations to determine if there has been a contravention of the Act. The Commissioner may take any action deemed appropriate to ensure that the Act is complied with and enforced.
- The CCE’s work contributes to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s electoral system, by ensuring that all participants comply with the legislation governing federal elections.
- This work is essential to safeguard the integrity of elections as well as maintain a level playing field for all political participants.