57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
Canada
Answer
Carry out investigation
Request additional information from potential violator
Request additional information from others
Source
Subsection 510(1): "The Commissioner, on his or her own initiative or in response to a complaint, may conduct an investigation."
Subsection 511(1): "If the Commissioner believes on reasonable grounds that an offence under this Act has been committed, the Commissioner may institute a prosecution or cause one to be instituted."
(Canada Elections Act, 2000 - last amended on June 13, 2019).
Comment
The Chief Electoral Officer is responsible for the administration of elections, referendums and other important aspects of our electoral system. The oversight body for party and election finance is the Commissioner of Canada Elections. The role of the Commissioner is defined in subsection 509.2 of the Canada Elections Act.
