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

VoteProgram

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

Operating expense

501Office 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 numberItem

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

Operating expense

1Election Administration$15,685,000$14,572,100$1,112,900$11,549,851
2Election 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
SThe 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-itemsAmount

Operating expense

501-1Election Administration 
 Salaries and wages$12,649,200
 Employee benefits$3,035,800
 Total operating expense to be voted$15,685,000
501-2Election 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