open Secondary menu

SummaryReport on the delivery of voting services in Cat Lake, Poplar Hill and Pikangikum, Ontario, during the 44th general election

  • In the riding of Kenora (35042), three fly-in communities (Cat Lake, Poplar Hill, and Pikangikum) had their local polling place cancelled ahead of election day despite having been planned and advertised on the voter information cards that were sent to electors.
  • Once the election was called, upon learning of a conflict with hunting and cultural activities in these communities on election day, the returning officer replaced the election day poll with a one-day advance poll based on his understanding of local needs. This change was not communicated clearly to electors or to the community leadership ahead of election day. Elections Canada headquarters only became aware of it on election day, after it was too late to take action.
  • This review of the facts points to gaps in electoral services offered in three isolated First Nations communities in the riding of Kenora. It also shows that some electors in these three communities were not able to vote because of several breakdowns of communication.
  • The incident in these three communities points to a need for Elections Canada to review how it plans for and delivers public education and election services in First Nations communities.
  • Elections Canada apologizes to any elector who was unable to vote because of the gaps in voting services and the breakdowns of communication.