Glossary for redistribution

Coming into effect (Prise d'effet)

The day on which the new representation order becomes effective and the previous order is no longer valid. A new representation order comes into effect on the day Parliament is dissolved for the first general election taking place at least seven months after the day the representation order is proclaimed.

Coming into force (Entrée en vigueur)

The day on which the representation order is recognized to have force of law. This is done through a proclamation by the Governor in Council. The proclamation takes place within five days after the day on which the responsible minister receives the representation order.

Continuation (Prorogation)

The transitional process that existing registered associations can choose in order to:

• inform Elections Canada that they want to stay registered in an electoral district under a new representation order;
• transition to a new representation order with no disruption to their filing schedule;
• avoid being deregistered and having to register again, which involves filing multiple financial returns and other paperwork.

The affiliated registered party can request a continuation on behalf of its existing registered associations.

Deregistration (Radiation)

Procedure through which a registered association loses its registered status and associated advantages (e.g. accepting contributions, issuing tax receipts, sending or receiving transfers of property or money). A deregistered association also has the obligation to submit a final financial return.

Proclamation (Proclamation)

A formal public announcement made by the government. Proclamations are published in Part 2 of the Canada Gazette.

Redistribution (Redécoupage)

Review of federal electoral districts that is undertaken after each 10-year census to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population in accordance with the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act.

During this process:

• The number of electoral districts assigned to each province is recalculated according to new population estimates and a formula set out in the Constitution;
• Various factors, such as population equality as well as other social and geographic factors, are taken into consideration when the boundaries are revised.

Representation order (Décret de représentation)

An official document issued in accordance with the recommendations contained in the final reports of the federal electoral boundaries commissions. The representation order:

• specifies the number of members of the House of Commons who will be elected for each of the provinces;
• divides each of the provinces into electoral districts, describes the boundaries of the districts and specifies their populations and names.