Site MenuSupplementary Information Tables: Operating context and key risks – 2020–21 Departmental Plan
Operating context and key risks
The general election held on October 21, 2019 saw the formation of a minority government. Because of this, Elections Canada's predominant focus in 2020–21 will be to ensure that the agency is and remains positioned to deliver an election that may occur at any time.
For the 2020–21 fiscal year, Elections Canada identified risks that could impede on its ability to deliver on committed results, or affect its reputation with regards to the integrity of the next general election.
| Risk | Risk Response Strategy | Core Responsibility | Link to mandate letter commitments or departmental priorities (as applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
There is a risk that serious security and cybersecurity issues compromise EC's services, privacy of Canadians and their trust and ability to participate in the electoral process |
Security continues to be a risk. Planned mitigation activities are identified in the agency's Security Strategy, Departmental Security Plan, and Sector Integrated Plans. The agency has implemented cybersecurity safeguards and a "Security by Design" framework. Further initiatives will continue to improve the agency's security posture, including training and awareness activities both at headquarters and in the field. Elections Canada continues to monitor the risk environment and linkages to the national security framework. The agency will maintain and evolve Security posture with the assistance of lead security agencies and partners. |
Electoral Administration and Oversight |
Promoting a fair, secure, and transparent electoral process that is free of undue influence |
There is a risk inaccurate information compromises electors' ability to vote, trust in the electoral process or system, or the correctness of results. |
Disinformation continues to be a risk to electoral integrity. Elections Canada's Electoral Integrity Program will monitor the environment, both nationally and internationally. Planned mitigation activities include maintaining and refining activities through lessons learned from GE 43, consultation with all business owners, review of the integrity program risks to assess ongoing risks and appropriate responses, and complete research and draft of a discussion paper on ongoing disinformation risk and environment to inform CEO recommendations to Parliament. |
Electoral Administration and Oversight |
Promoting a fair, secure, and transparent electoral process that is free of undue influence |