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Our mission, mandate, values

Mission

Ensuring that Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.

Mandate

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, commonly known as Elections Canada, is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament. Its mandate is to:

  • be prepared to conduct a federal general election, by-election or referendum
  • administer the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act
  • monitor compliance with electoral legislation
  • conduct public information campaigns on voter registration, voting and becoming a candidate
  • conduct education programs for students on the electoral process
  • provide support to the independent commissions in charge of adjusting the boundaries of federal electoral districts following each decennial census
  • carry out studies on alternative voting methods and, with the approval of parliamentarians, test alternative voting processes for future use during electoral events
  • provide assistance and co-operation in electoral matters to electoral agencies in other countries or to international organizations

Values

Our day-to-day activities and decision making are guided by the following key values:

  • a knowledgeable and professional workforce

  • transparency in everything we do

  • responsiveness to the needs of Canadians involved in the electoral process

  • cohesiveness and consistency in administering the Canada Elections Act

  • continuously earning and maintaining the public's trust

  • stewardship and accountability in how we manage our resources