Site MenuGuidelines for Use of the Lists of Electors
Annex D – Frequently Asked Questions
1. May a candidate, member of Parliament, registered or eligible party share the lists of electors with a party's electoral district association?
Yes. The lists of electors may be shared with an electoral district association, but only for use on behalf of the candidate, registered party or member of Parliament. If an electoral district association uses the lists of electors to contact electors on behalf of the authorized recipient, it should adopt the safeguards outlined in these guidelines.
The electoral district association may use the lists only as instructed by the authorized recipient and only for purposes authorized under section 110 of the CEA. It should be made clear, particularly in communications with the public, that the electoral district association is acting on behalf of the authorized recipient.
2. May an authorized recipient share the lists of electors with political parties or candidates at any other level of government, or with members of provincial or territorial legislatures, for the political purposes of those other parties or candidates?
No. Parties, members or candidates from other levels of government may not use federal lists of electors for their own political purposes. The lists of electors may be used only by the federal political entity for communicating with their electors or for a federal election, by‑elections or referendum.
3. May an authorized recipient tell a person if they are or are not on the lists of electors?
Yes. However, it is important that the authorized recipient confirm the identity of the individual who is making a request. Information contained in the lists of electors should not be divulged; instead, it should simply be confirmed. This prevents the persons making such a request from gaining access to information that may not belong to them.
Furthermore, information in the National Register of Electors (the Register) is updated on an ongoing basis and is therefore more up to date than information contained in lists provided periodically to authorized recipients. Electors wishing to confirm their status in the Register can use Elections Canada's Online Voter Registration Service to check whether they are registered to vote, update their address, or be added to the Register. They can also contact Elections Canada directly to confirm their status or have their information updated, as required.
4. May an authorized recipient tell a person if that person's friends or relatives are or are not on the lists of electors?
No. An elector may confirm only their own registration status on the lists of electors.
5. May a member of Parliament, registered party or eligible party merge the lists of electors they receive with previous lists?
Yes. As long as the lists are used only for the purposes set out in Section 110 of the CEA, the merging of lists is acceptable.
6. How should an authorized recipient respond if another organization or individual requests a copy of the lists of electors?
Any request from any person or body to obtain a copy of the lists of electors, or information contained in the lists, should be forwarded to the following address for review and consideration:
Mailing address:
Assistant Director
Access to Information and Privacy
Elections Canada
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M6
Telephone: 873-416-2444
E-mail: aiprp-atip@elections.ca