Site MenuIntroduction – Returning Officers' Report of Proceedings Summary – 44th General Election
The 44th general election (GE) was called by proclamation of the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada. The election period spanned 36 days, the minimum required by the Canada Elections Act (CEA), from August 15, 2021, to September 20, 2021. During this period, the 338 returning officers (ROs) carried out their mandate by delivering the GE in their respective electoral districts (EDs), in accordance with the CEA and the instructions of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Like all elections, the 44th GE was marked by significant challenges, such as conducting the GE in a pandemic situation and the need to adapt procedures and methods to conduct an accessible, safe and secure election. However, it also meant success and evidence of resilience.
In accordance with section 314(1)(a) of the CEA, ROs are required to submit a Report of Proceedings (RoP) after each GE, to allow them to report on the issues, trends and successes in their EDs. This report is a summary of the RoP completed by all 338 ROs after the 44th GE. The input in this report is intended to improve processes, systems and services for future GEs and by-elections.