Summary Investigation Report on Robocalls

An Investigation into Complaints of Nuisance Telephone Calls and of Telephone Calls Providing Incorrect Poll Location Information in Electoral Districts Other than Guelph During the 41st General Election of May 2011

April 2014

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Table of Contents

• Foreword
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• 1. Complaints
  • 1.1 Election Period Complaints
  • 1.2 Investigation of the Guelph Complaints
  • 1.3 Post-Election Complaints (February 23, 2012 and Onward)
• 2. The Legal Context
  • 2.1 Voter Registration and Lists of Electors
  • 2.2 Elections Canada's Communication of Poll Locations
  • 2.3 Political Parties' Telephone Communication with Electors
  • 2.4 Prohibitions Under the Canada Elections Act
  • 2.5 Investigative Challenges
• 3. The Investigation
  • 3.1 Information Provided by Complainants
  • 3.2 Follow-up on Information Provided by Complainants
    • 3.2.1 Source of Incoming Calls
    • 3.2.2 Complainants' Telephone Service Providers
    • 3.2.3 Production Orders
  • 3.3 Follow-up with Political Entities, Their Telemarketers and Other Relevant Actors
  • 3.4 Calls Made on Behalf of Political Entities
    • 3.4.1 Conservative Party of Canada
    • 3.4.2 Green Party of Canada
    • 3.4.3 Liberal Party of Canada
    • 3.4.4 New Democratic Party
• 4. Findings
  • 4.1 Calls Providing Incorrect Poll Locations
  • 4.2 Nuisance Calls
  • 4.3 Distribution of Complaints
• Conclusion
• Appendix – Report of the Honourable Louise Charron to the Commissioner of Canada Elections

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