Site MenuCandidate Services and Engagement with Public Health Authorities, and PHAC Guidance for Parties – Advisory Committee of Political Parties – Meeting Summary February 4-5, 2021
Presenters: Sylvie Jacmain (Director, Alternative Voting Methods and Operational Outreach), Christopher Morris (Acting Assistant Director, Candidate Services), Martin Génier (Chair, General Election Pandemic Intelligence Task Force), and Dr. Barbara Raymond, (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC])
The objectives of this session were to give an overview to parties on the measures that Elections Canada (EC) is taking to conduct the election in a safe manner. Presenters explained how EC will adapting its services to candidates and political entities (support for candidates, submission of candidate nominations, etc.), as well as how EC is engaging with public health authorities to account for local safety measures in place resulting from the pandemic. On candidate nominations, EC will be encouraging all candidates to submit their nominations through the Political Entities Service Centre portal (PESC). Returning officers will make themselves available to support candidates through the process; either by phone, video conference, or in-person consistent with local health guidance. Candidates' representatives are expected to follow COVID-19 guidelines implemented at polling places and the returning office and are urged to work with their returning officers to ensure reasonable numbers of candidate representatives per poll. Elections Canada also informed parties that the agency has partnered with local public health authorities to develop and validate pandemic instructions that will be used by all stakeholders in the political process, including political entities. The Pandemic Election Steering Committee has mandated the creation of the General Election Pandemic Intelligence Task Force (GEPI) to plan and coordinate EC's operational response to public health-related incidents, situations, constraints, guidelines, and directives.
Elections Canada facilitated a session with the Public Health Agency of Canada, to answer questions about how to campaign safely during the pandemic. EC officials also answered operation questions about adaptations to services. ACPP members asked for questions of clarification regarding EC's process for keeping up with guidance issued by local public health authorities. Members were also interested in protocols in place for workers or voters who are unable to wear a mask. Parties also urged EC to allow for the collection of electronic signatures, given the high volume of candidates that will be out canvassing and in contact with the public.