Site MenuEffects of the redistribution process on electoral district associations
An electoral district association is an association of members of a federal political party in an electoral district. Associations that register with Elections Canada have certain advantages, such as the ability to issue tax receipts and financially support their party and candidates.
How associations can transition to the new electoral map
The redistribution process will lead to one of four outcomes for each electoral district and the associations in them. Associations can take the steps below to transition to the new electoral map, based on the outcome for their district.
Even if there is no change to an electoral district's name or boundaries, its electoral district code may change. Associations should make sure to use the correct code when filing reports in the future.
- Outcome 1 No change to an existing electoral district's boundaries or name
- Outcome 2 Change to an electoral district's name (no change to its boundaries)
- Outcome 3 Change to an existing electoral district's boundaries (possible change to its name)
- Outcome 4 A district in which no association is currently registered
Outcome 1: No change to an existing electoral district's boundaries or name
Redistribution process
- September 22, 2023 2023 representation orders are proclaimed
- At least 7 months
- Representation orders come into effect at the call of a general election
The association's action:
The association does not have to take any action to remain registered.
- There is no change to the status of the existing registered association.
- The association:
- does not have to file any paperwork with Elections Canada to remain registered
- is automatically added to the registry once the new representation orders come into effect
- continues to have the legal rights and obligations of a registered association
Outcome 2: Change to an electoral district's name (no change to its boundaries)
Redistribution process
- September 22, 2023 2023 representation orders are proclaimed
- At least 7 months
- Representation orders come into effect at the call of a general election
An association can request a name change as of the day the new representation orders are in force: September 22, 2023.
The association's action:
Association does not have to take any action to remain registered but may apply to change its name.
- There is no change to the status of the existing registered association
- The association:
- does not have to file any paperwork with Elections Canada to remain registered
- is automatically added to the registry once the new representation orders come into effect
- continues to have the legal rights and obligations of a registered association
- may apply to change its name to reflect the new electoral district name as of proclamation
Outcome 3: Change to an existing electoral district's boundaries (possible change to its name)
Redistribution process
- September 22, 2023 2023 representation orders are proclaimed
- At least 7 months
- Representation orders come into effect at the call of a general election
Scenario 1
The registered association files a notice of continuation after proclamation but before the day on which Parliament is dissolved for the first general election that is called at least 7 months after proclamation.
See the results of this action
If the existing registered association files a notice of continuation with Elections Canada before the general election is called:
- There is no change to the status of the existing registered association.
- The association:
- is automatically added to the registry in a new or revised electoral district of its choice once the new representation orders come into effect
- continues to have the legal rights and obligations of a registered association
The registered party can file a notice of continuation on behalf of its affiliated registered associations.
As of the call of the general election
There is no change to the status of the existing registered association.
Scenario 2
The registered association does not file a notice of continuation before the day on which Parliament is dissolved for the first general election that is called at least 7 months after proclamation.
See results of this inaction
If the existing registered association does not file a notice of continuation with Elections Canada before the general election is called:
- The association will be automatically deregistered on the day the new representation orders come into effect (the day a general election is called at least seven months after the representation orders are proclaimed).
- As of the date of deregistration, the association loses the legal rights of a registered association.
- Within six months after deregistration, the association may transfer its assets to its registered party or another registered association of the party.
- No later than six months after deregistration, the association must file a financial return and, if required, an auditor's report, for its last fiscal period as well as any outstanding financial returns from a previous fiscal year.
The registered party can file a notice of continuation on behalf of its affiliated registered associations.
As of the call of the general election
Association is automatically deregistered.
Outcome 4: A district in which no association is currently registered
Redistribution process
- September 22, 2023 2023 representation orders are proclaimed
- At least 7 months
- Representation orders come into effect at the call of a general election
An association can apply for registration in an electoral district where an association was not previously registered as of September 22, 2023.
The association's action:
The association can apply to register in a new electoral district under the 2023 representation orders.
- Party members in a newly created electoral district can form an electoral district association and apply to register using the Application to Register an Electoral District Association (EC 20410).
- The application can be submitted as soon as the representation orders are proclaimed (September 22, 2023).
- Once the association is registered, it has all the legal rights and obligations of a registered association.
- No later than six months after registration, the association has to file a Registered Association's Statement of Assets and Liabilities (EC 20031).
- As an alternative, an existing registered association can request to continue in a new electoral district when it files its notice of continuation (see Outcome 3).