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
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

Operating expense
501 Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $35,978,424
  Total operating expense to be voted $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $35,978,424
  Statutory Appropriations - - - $18,726,264
  Total operating expense $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $54,704,688
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $54,704,688
  Total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $54,704,688

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 124 electoral districts.

The Chief Electoral Officer also administers the Election Finances Act. Over 680 Constituency Associations and 23 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
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

Operating expense
1 Election Administration $15,685,000 $14,572,100 $1,112,900 $11,549,851
2 Election Finances Administration $23,541,600 $19,242,800 $4,298,800 $24,428,573
  Total operating expense to be voted $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $35,978,424
S The Election Act - - - $18,726,264
  Total statutory appropriations - - - $18,726,264
  Total operating expense $39,226,600 $33,814,900 $5,411,700 $54,704,688

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 $12,649,200
  Employee benefits $3,035,800
  Total operating expense to be voted $15,685,000
501-2 Election Finances Administration  
  Salaries and wages $1,679,400
  Employee benefits $403,100
  Transportation and communication $22,000
  Services $1,175,200
  Supplies and equipment $48,000
  Other transactions  
  Election Expense Subsidies under the Election Finances Act $20,214,900
  Subtotal $23,542,600
  Less: recoveries $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted $23,541,600
  Total operating expense for Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program $39,226,600