Summary

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (Elections Ontario) administers the Election Act and the Election Finances Act. The Office operates under the direction of the Chief Electoral Officer who reports directly to the Legislative Assembly on the conduct of elections.

Program summary
Vote Program Estimates 2016-17 Estimates 2015-16 Difference between 2016-17 and 2015-16 Actual 2014-15
  Operating expense        
501 Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $11,407,310
  Total operating expense to be voted $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $11,407,310
  Statutory appropriations - - - $80,309,953
  Total operating expense $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $91,717,263
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $91,717,263
  Total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $91,717,263

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program - vote 501

The Office conducts general elections and by-elections of Members to the Legislative Assembly and provides research, public information and policy advice relating to the electoral process. The Office also trains, directs and supervises the returning officer in each of the 107 electoral districts.

The Chief Electoral Officer also administers the Election Finances Act. Over 430 Constituency Associations and 20 registered political parties must file annual returns and inform Elections Ontario of any changes to registration information. Any form filed with Elections Ontario is reviewed for compliance with the Election Finances Act.

The Office has responsibility to administer referenda under the Taxpayer Protection Act, 1999.

The Office serves Ministries, agencies and the public on a continuing basis by conducting historical and comparative research and providing policy advice and general information regarding the electoral process.

Vote summary
Item number Item Estimates 2016-17 Estimates 2015-16 Difference between 2016-17 and 2015-16

Actual 2014-15
  Operating expense        
1 Election Administration $8,052,500 $7,922,900 $129,600 $6,840,549
2 Election Finances Administration $7,929,300 $7,354,800 $574,500 $4,566,761
  Total operating expense to be voted $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $11,407,310
S The Election Act - - - $80,309,953
  Total statutory appropriations - - - $80,309,953
  Total operating expense $15,981,800 $15,277,700 $704,100 $91,717,263
Standard account by item and sub-items
Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
  Operating expense  
501-1 Election administration  
 

Salaries and wages

 $6,546,700
 

Employee benefits

 $1,505,800
  Total operating expense to be voted $8,052,500
501-2

Election finances administration

  
 

Salaries and wages

 $1,072,700
 

Employee benefits

 $246,700
 

Transportation and communication

 $20,400
 

Services

 $779,500
 

Supplies and equipment

 $39,000
 

Other transactions

  
 

Election expense subsidies under the Election Finances Act

 $5,772,000
  Subtotal $7,930,300
  Less: recoveries $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted $7,929,300
  Total operating expense for Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program $15,981,800