Legislation

Learn about key Acts of Parliament that uphold and strengthen Canadian democracy.

Canada Elections Act

The Canada Elections Act sets out the rules and process for electing members to the House of Commons (Members of Parliament). It is built upon the principles of open, transparent and fair elections. The Canada Elections Act is independently administered by the Chief Electoral Officer, an Agent of Parliament supported by Elections Canada, with the Commissioner of Canada Elections responsible for compliance and enforcement. The Canada Elections Act has been updated regularly since its enactment in 1960, including in 2018 through the Elections Modernization Act.

Bill C-65

In March 2024, the Government of Canada introduced amendments to the Canada Elections Act to enhance citizens’ participation and trust in Canada’s electoral process. The proposed amendments brought forward in Bill C-65, the Electoral Participation Act, build on the Government of Canada’s work to remove barriers to voting and encourage voter participation, better protect personal information, and further strengthen electoral protection measures, including against foreign interference.

For more information, see:

• Minister LeBlanc introduces legislation to further strengthen Canada’s electoral process
• Government of Canada passes Elections Modernization Act

Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act

The Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act provides for the independent non-partisan process to review and adjust, if needed, federal electoral districts, commonly known as ridings. To ensure that voters are effectively represented in the House of Commons, the Canadian Constitution requires federal ridings be reviewed every decade to account for changes and movements in Canada's population.

For more information, see:

• The Constitution Acts, 1867 to 1982
• Redistribution of Federal Electoral Districts 2022
• Bill C-14 - Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (electoral representation)

Referendum Act

The Referendum Act governs the process for holding a referendum, which provides Canadians the opportunity to vote on constitutional matters.