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Appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer

The position of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) was created in 1920 by the Dominion Elections Act. The Chief Electoral Officer is appointed for a 10-year non-renewable term by a resolution of the House of Commons. He or she reports directly to Parliament and is thus completely independent of the government of the day and all political parties. He or she can be removed from office only for cause, by the Governor General after a joint request following a majority vote by the House of Commons and Senate.

Mandate of the Chief Electoral Officer

The Chief Electoral Officer is responsible for the administration of elections, referendums and other important aspects of our electoral system.

A number of sectors make up Elections Canada, the organization that carries out the specific roles and responsibilities under the CEO's mandate.