The Electoral System of Canada

The Electoral System of Canada (PDF format)

• Foreword
  
  
• The political system
• The basics
• Representation in the House of Commons
• First past the post
  
  
• Pillars of electoral democracy
• Participation, fairness and transparency
• Secrecy and privacy
• Adaptability
  
  
• Elections Canada
• Role, mission and goals
• Professional, non-partisan and independent
• Appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer
• Funding of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
• The Commissioner of Canada Elections
• The Broadcasting Arbitrator
  
  
• Main activities
• Managing field operations
• Maintaining a permanent register of electors
• Electoral geography
• Operational and strategic planning
• Providing legal services
• Conducting research and analysis
• Implementing outreach and communication programs
• Overseeing political financing
• Efficiency through information technology
• Upholding international co-operation
  
  
• The federal electoral process
• Preparing for a general election
• Launching an election
• Voting
• The results
• Election reports
• By-elections
• Referendums
  
  
• Political financing
• Contribution limits
• Tax credits for political contributions
• Expenses limits
• Reporting
• Reimbursements for candidates
• Reimbursements and allowances for political parties
• Audit subsidy for registered electoral district associations
• Regulation of third parties
  
  
• Further information
  
  
• Appendices
• Appendix 1: Evolution of the federal electoral system
• Appendix 2: Distribution of House of Commons seats, 1867–2006
• Appendix 3: Canadian parliaments, 1867–2006
• Appendix 4: Canadian Prime Ministers, 1867–2006
• Appendix 5: Statistics on voter turnout, 1867–2006
• Appendix 6: Map of Canada, 2006