International Affairs

Free, fair and inclusive elections are the cornerstone of democracy and inclusive governance. In accordance with the Canada Elections Act, Elections Canada has been cooperating with electoral agencies in other countries and international organizations for many years. The goal of our international engagement is to strengthen the independence, impartiality, integrity, transparency and professionalism of electoral management both abroad and in Canada to ensure the conduct of free, fair and inclusive election processes.

Elections Canada actively engages with other electoral management bodies and international electoral organizations to develop and share knowledge on effective electoral management. We strive to be a recognized source of information on electoral administration and improve our own practices by learning from others. Our key activities include:

• exchanging best practices, responding to enquiries from other electoral authorities, and hosting international delegations
• participating in multilateral and regional fora, such as the Réseau des compétences électorales francophones (RECEF), the Four Countries Partnership (which includes Australia, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand), and networks of election authorities in the Americas and Europe
• sharing electoral knowledge by participating in the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, the world’s largest online community and repository of electoral knowledge

For more information on international electoral activities and resources, please consult the International Electoral Resources section in the Resource Centre.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do you provide funding or bilateral technical assistance?

No. Elections Canada does not have any grant and contribution programs. Any funding requests should be directed to Global Affairs Canada or other international organizations. Those interested in training on electoral processes should contact BRIDGE.

How can I participate as an observer in an international electoral observation mission?

Elections Canada does not coordinate electoral observation missions. Individuals interested in participating in such missions should register with the appropriate non-profit organizations and be added to their roster of Canadian and international electoral experts.

I would like representatives from Elections Canada to observe elections occurring in my country. Is this possible?

Elections Canada only considers invitations from electoral management bodies that organize visitor programs with a focus on specific learning and best practices in the area of the administration of the electoral process.

Do you have internships I can participate in?

The International Affairs Division does not have an internship program or hire interns directly. If you are looking to work at Elections Canada, please consult the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and/or Government of Canada Jobs.