Site MenuObservations for Future Consideration – Report on the delivery of voting services in Cat Lake, Poplar Hill and Pikangikum, Ontario, during the 44th general election
Absence of in-person advance voting services for those who could not vote on election day
The three communities of Cat Lake, Poplar Hill and Pikangikum had been assigned to vote in advance in either Sioux Lookout or Red Lake, which are only reachable by plane. Had an on-site advance poll been planned for these communities before the election was called, the conflict with hunting and cultural activities on September 20 would not have triggered a request for an alternative voting opportunity, as it would already have been in place, and the election day poll would very likely not have been cancelled as a result of a misunderstanding. Election Canada's Policy on the Selection of Suitable Polling Locations should be updated without delay to take full advantage of the recent changes made to the Canada Elections Act. Advance polls that are open for less than four days in a particular community must be integrated into the full suite of voting services that are planned ahead of a general election to reduce the gaps in advance voting services that are offered in some remote parts of the country.
Insufficient engagement and understanding of community needs
Facts show that Elections Canada was unaware of the implications of the community hunting and cultural activities on electors residing in Cat Lake, Poplar Hill and Pikangikum, at least until the election was called.
The RO also reported having difficulties in recruiting community relations officers and reaching out to First Nations leadership. Only two community relations officers were hired in Kenora for the 44th general election. The current practice is to hire these officers when the election is called; however, by then it is too late for them to influence the voting services plan in their riding. Our examination of the facts shows that operational planning in Kenora was carried out in a challenging context for all those involved, owing in particular to the forest fires that threatened many communities during the summer. The "eleventh hour" effort to arrange for on-site advance polls was well intentioned but poorly executed. Earlier and more regular discussions with chiefs and the communities would have allowed for a better understanding of the local circumstances and a more complete service offering.
Lack of on-the-ground knowledge and operational intelligence
At ECHQ, knowledge and communications about the evolving situation in Kenora were partial, with significant gaps. The cancellation of election day polls was not communicated to ECHQ before mid-day on September 20, which removed the opportunity to review and reverse the decision in a timely manner. The protocol to follow in case a polling station is not held or when proceedings are interrupted should be refined and better communicated to ROs. Beyond this, better on-the-ground business intelligence systems and improved internal communications would likely have averted the cancellation of voting services on September 20.
Inadequate communications
Elections Canada's interviews with stakeholders and reports in traditional and social media have highlighted a clear breakdown of communication between Elections Canada and the leaders and electors of these three communities. The RO relied on word-of-mouth to promote the one-day advance poll and there was no communication after initial discussions that the election day poll would not take place. Community leaders and engaged electors are excellent resources for increasing awareness, but they should not be relied on as the sole means of advertising voting services. More research is required into the best ways to reach electors in remote First Nations communities in order to provide them information on where, when and ways to vote, especially when there is a change in the service offering.