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From the Chief Electoral Officer2021–22 Departmental Plan

Stéphane Perrault

Stéphane Perrault
Chief Electoral Officer of Canada

It is my pleasure to present my Office's 2021–22 Departmental Plan. This plan is intended to provide Canadians with information about the work of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer for this fiscal year.

At the time of finalizing this plan, much uncertainty remained regarding the timing of the 44th general election and the circumstances under which it might occur. As the 43rd general election in October 2019 resulted in a minority Parliament, our goal has been to ensure that the agency remains prepared to deliver an election at any time. With the emergence of the global pandemic, we have had to adapt our services to ensure the safety of voters and poll workers and meet the needs of vulnerable electors. In 2021–22, we will continue to monitor the pandemic and its impact on Canadians and adjust our services to the evolving environment.

As we prepare for an election, we must also continue to pursue initiatives that are not tied to the electoral cycle in order to meet the changing needs and expectations of Canadians and maintain a dynamic workforce. With that in mind, we will launch a new long-term digital strategy to help guide the agency in developing digital tools and services that are responsive to user needs; building a more agile infrastructure; and providing access to authoritative data to support our activities. Our digital strategy will also help the agency transition to a more flexible and decentralized work environment.

This fiscal year will also see the launch of the decennial review of electoral boundaries. Though this task requires the independent electoral boundaries commissions leading the effort to operate at arm's length from the agency, we will play a key role in acquiring the data and tools necessary to facilitate their work.

Our work environment is ever-changing, but our priority remains the same: contributing to an electoral democracy that serves all Canadians and that Canadians trust. I am confident that my staff will continue to rise to the challenges ahead and will be prepared to deliver an accessible, safe, and secure voting experience in the 44th general election and beyond.

Stéphane Perrault

Chief Electoral Officer of Canada