Site MenuCandidate and Political Party Services - Adaptive measures – Advisory Committee of Political Parties – Annual General Assembly Meeting Summary – September 23–24, 2020
Presenters: Christopher Morris (Acting Assistant Director, Candidate Services) and Sophie Martineau (Assistant Director, Operations & Field Governance)
Mr. Morris opened with an update regarding the online services for the PESC Portal. Elections Canada has expanded the PESC user base and it is now open to all political entities. The importance of online services such as the PESC portal has been highlighted in the context of the COVID-19. PESC will remain the primary distribution method for electoral products.
Regarding the submission of Nomination Papers, EC will continue to allow in-person submissions. However, prospective candidates will be required to make an appointment with the returning officer to file their nomination papers. Health and safety guidelines must be followed in the returning office. EC will encourage all candidates to submit their nomination forms electronically. More options are now available to submit supporting documents. Returning users will be able to use their existing account.
EC is making minor modifications to the authorization process to reduce document handling and ensure public health best practices. Candidates' representatives may not wear or display partisan symbols when fulfilling their duties, and will therefore not be allowed entry with partisan-branded personal protective equipment (PPE). Right of access is to be provided equally for all candidates. Candidates will be responsible for providing materials to canvassers, including PPE. EC will only provide PPE for access to polls or offices.
Mr. Morris stated that returning officers are preparing to administer solemn declarations via videoconference. If receiving declarations in person, EC recommended following public health advice for in-person meetings. For elector signatures, he noted that EC was introducing an additional form to collect one elector signature per page and that these documents be submitted electronically when possible. The elector signature requirements of the 43rd General Election will remain unchanged.
During the question & answer period, ACPP members stated that the collection of signatures is an issue, given that this is conducted in person in addition to contact-tracing. It was suggested that reducing or removing signature requirement should be an option. Getting party members to go out to canvass will be an issue. The CEO was open to reconsidering recommendations and provisions for signatures.