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Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada Following the September 17, 2007, By-elections Held in Outremont, Roberval–Lac-Saint-Jean and Saint-Hyacinthe–Bagot


Introduction

This report covers Elections Canada's conduct of the by-elections held on September 17, 2007, in Outremont, Roberval–Lac-Saint-Jean and Saint-Hyacinthe–Bagot.

According to subsection 534(2) of the Canada Elections Act, a report on by-elections should also include "… any matter or event that has arisen or occurred in connection with the administration of the Chief Electoral Officer's office since the last report under this section and that he or she considers should be brought to the attention of the House of Commons …." The year since Elections Canada's last report on by-elections has been eventful, with many changes and proposed changes to electoral law, a variety of internal changes and new initiatives and, given the current minority government, the continuing possibility of a general election.

This report covers matters or events initiated by or affecting Elections Canada since the publication of our last report on March 28, 2007. They are discussed in three sections.

  • Advancing Our Mandate describes initiatives that Elections Canada has undertaken to improve its operations and the electoral process. These activities include preparing a strategic plan, which will guide the development of our relationships with stakeholders and partners, our governance and operations, and our communications and outreach to voters over the next five years.

  • Legislation Affecting the 2007 By-elections summarizes legislation that has amended the Canada Elections Act or affected Elections Canada's operations. This section also describes our response to these changes.

  • Conduct of the 2007 By-elections discusses the September 2007 by-elections.