Site MenuExecutive Summary – Returning Officers' Report of Proceedings Summary – 44th General Election
To successfully deliver the 44th GE despite a variety of unique challenges, Elections Canada (EC) had to adapt its delivery plan to the pandemic situation, as well as deal with operational delays, a short election calendar and extreme weather events.
Overall, ROs indicated that the pre-event assignments (PEAs) and various training sessions in the pre-event period adequately prepared them and their key staff for the delivery of the 44th GE. In addition, they noted the efficiency of their teams during the revision period, as well as during advance and ordinary polling days, as one of the highlights of the GE. ROs also indicated that, overall, the communications and support received from Elections Canada headquarters (ECHQ) were effective. The ROs appreciated the addition of the primary additional assistant returning officer (PAARO) and poll operations manager (POM) positions. They hope that these positions will be retained for subsequent elections. As for the regional recruitment coordinator (RRC) position, the ROs indicated that they would like to better understand the position's scope so they can effectively leverage the RRC's support.
Of all the 338 ROs who successfully delivered the 44th GE, 104 of them did so for the first time. These new ROs recommended reviewing the integration process to allow new ROs to be mentored by experienced ROs. They also recommended the inclusion of an initial face-to-face training session to introduce the fundamentals of electoral administration and to promote a sense of belonging.
Overall, ROs reported that the pressure of a short election calendar, coupled with delays in receiving and installing computer equipment in RO offices, was felt throughout the election. Because some RO offices were not fully functional on Day 36, some activities had to be delayed and completed in a short time frame, including the recruitment and training of poll workers. ROs also noted that the lack of synchronization between the Returning Office Payment System and SITES (ROPS/SITES) and the Recruitment Management System (RMS) during the GE affected the transition from poll worker recruitment to training. ROs pointed out the need to review the distribution of poll worker responsibilities, as the removal of the poll clerk position resulted in additional work for the deputy returning officer (DRO). They also proposed simplifying the polling place closing procedures to limit the risk of errors.
The 44th GE was marked by regional and local challenges that required an even higher level of adaptability. These included major wildfires in British Columbia, a hurricane in Newfoundland and Labrador, and record-breaking heat waves across the country. Despite all the challenges encountered, ROs and their teams worked together with their field liaison officers (FLOs) and ECHQ to successfully deliver the 44th GE.