Elections Modernization Act

On February 4, 2014, in response to 38 recommendations by Canada's Chief Electoral Officer, the government of Stephen Harper introduced the Fair Elections Act. The provisions of the bill were opposed by all opposition parties[3] and, in testimony, the Chief Electoral Officer criticized the bill as "[undermining] its stated purpose."[4] Shortly thereafter, Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau vowed to repeal the act[5], as did Thomas Mulcair, then leader of the official opposition and of the New Democratic Party[6].

On October 19, 2015, Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party were elected to form government in the 42nd Parliament of Canada, and proposed Bill C-33[7], which they would later substitute with C-76, to replace the Act.[8]

The Act imposed new spending caps on political and third parties in the period directly preceding an election (in addition to the existing limitations in election periods), and required reporting by such third parties on partisan activities, advertising, and election surveying, as well as disclosure on advertising in such pre-election period; it also requires third parties maintain a separate account for aforementioned.

Furthermore the act also reduced barriers to the political process by:

i) creating a Register of Future Electors, where teenagers 14-17 can place their name for automatic registration when they attain voting age;

ii) broadening the application period for accommodations for people with disabilities, and creating financial incentives for political parties and candidates to accommodate them in election periods;

iii) easing rules for treating candidate childcare, litigation, and disability accommodation expenses;

iv) allowing military members to vote by multiple means;

v) giving the Chief Electoral Officer the ability to engage in public education and information activities;

vi) repealing limitations on expat voting for those who haven't resided in Canada for 5 years, or don't intend to return;

vii) extending hours on advance voting days.

Finally, the act caps election periods to 50 days; limits the Chief Electoral Officer's delegation authority; eases administrative requirements to hiring of election officers, and towards information sharing within the government regarding non-citizens; allows the voter identification card received by electors prior to an election as valid id for voting; ends signature requirements for advance voting; reorganizes the office of Commissioner of Canada Elections, and gives them the authority to impose fines and file charges, and to subpoena with court approval; strengthens laws regarding foreign influence; and finally, it limits the calling of by-elections close to the general election, and makes rules for privacy against political parties/candidates.[9]

The Act directs Elections Canada to invest more to make participating in elections more accessible to people with disabilities.[10] There are several initiatives, but perhaps the most visible was direction in 18.1 (3) for the Chief Electoral Officer to acquire and evaluate improved voting technology for use by electors with a disability. [11]

The bulk of the act came into force on June 13, 2019, but Elections Canada sped up the coming-into-force of several provisions; first on January 19, again on April 1, and finally on May 11 .[12]

Fair Elections Act

Election Modernization Act at Justice.gc.ca