Site MenuCommissioner of Canada Elections – Advisory Committee of Political Parties – Meeting Summary February 4-5, 2021
Presenter: Yves Côté (Commissioner of Canada Elections [CCE])
The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE), Mr. Yves Côté, was invited to participate in the meeting of the ACPP. Mr. Côté informed ACPP members that the new Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) regime was operational which the CCE can now impose for various violations related to illegal voting, communications, third parties, and political financing.
Mr. Coté noted that the Office of the CCE has already begun to issue AMPs and that his office intends to make full use of the flexibility that this compliance tool affords. He further noted that it is imperative that all parties ensure that prospective financial and official agents, as well as candidates, understand their obligations under the Canada Elections Act. Lastly, in the event a general election occurs before 2023, Mr. Côté advised members that CCE Legal Services will reach out to all political parties to establish a point of contact should legal issues arise. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections has conducted a preliminary review of complaints received in the context of the 43rd general election. In some cases, administrative reviews and investigations related to these complaints remain ongoing. The Office is also continuing to receive referrals from Elections Canada. In both cases, decisions made by the Commissioner that lead to administrative monetary penalties, compliance agreements, undertakings or the laying of charges are published on the Commissioner's website.
During the question period, ACPP members asked if political parties would have access to the list of AMPs to which the Commissioner confirmed that a plain-language document is available, and would be shared with parties.