open Secondary menu

Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada Following the November 29, 2010, By-elections Held in Dauphin–Swan River–Marquette, Vaughan and Winnipeg North

Foreword

This report covers the three by-elections held on November 29, 2010, in the electoral districts of Dauphin–Swan River–Marquette (Manitoba), Vaughan (Ontario) and Winnipeg North (Manitoba).

According to subsection 534(2) of the Canada Elections Act, if one or more by-elections are held in a year, the Chief Electoral Officer must, within 90 days after the end of the year, produce a report that sets out “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 […] and that he or she considers should be brought to the attention of the House of Commons.”

The 2010 by-elections saw the introduction of several new processes and technologies. These changes were aimed mainly at making it easier for electors to vote and, in general, making the electoral process more accessible. Notably, Elections Canada tested an assistive voting device for electors with disabilities as part of the first pilot project carried out under section 18.1 of the Act. A detailed report on this pilot project can be found in the annex to the present report.

The present report is divided into three sections, followed by an annex:

  1. New Measures Implemented During the November 2010 By-elections – The main measures put in place by Elections Canada as part of these events in order to improve various aspects of the electoral process.
  2. Conduct of the November 2010 By-elections – A report on the administration and results of the elections.
  3. Conclusion – The next steps to be taken following these elections.

Annex – The complete report and results of the assistive voting device pilot project in the electoral district of Winnipeg North.