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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Introduction

Elections Canada operates under a Program Activity Architecture (PAA) that contains one main strategic outcome:

The PAA contains one program activity: Elections.

Elections Canada is committed to providing four key results that are beneficial to Canadians:

• delivering federal elections, by‑elections and referendums that maintain the integrity of the electoral process, and administering the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act
• achieving and maintaining a state of readiness to deliver electoral events whenever they may be called, and improving the delivery of electoral events
• providing timely and high-quality public education and information programs, as well as assurance that support on electoral matters is available to the public, parliamentarians, political entities and other stakeholders
• administering the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, under which readjustment of federal electoral boundaries is carried out by independent commissions after each decennial census to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population

These correspond to our mandated priorities. We have also identified major initiatives to improve our internal services and operations. The initiatives will increase our efficiency and ultimately our ability to deliver our strategic outcome to Canadians more effectively. The initiatives planned for 2008–09 are discussed later in this section under Corporate Services/Program Enablers.

Key Program 1: Electoral Event Delivery, Political Financing, and Compliance and Enforcement

Expected Results:

• Delivery of high-quality elections, by‑elections and referendums at all times.
• Fair, efficient and transparent administration of the political financing provisions.
• Effective compliance and enforcement programs and electoral events, in accordance with legal requirements.

Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2008–09	2009–10	2010–11
36,245	36,245	36,245

 

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2008–09	2009–10	2010–11
47	47	47

Sub-Programs

This key program is delivered through three sub-programs:

• Event Delivery – When required by Parliament, delivers federal elections, by‑elections and referendums that maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
• Political Financing – Administers the provisions of the Canada Elections Act related to political financing.
• Compliance and Enforcement – Deals with complaints and referrals about contraventions of the Canada Elections Act.

Plans for 2008–09

Elections Canada will focus on the following initiatives for the three sub-programs during the current planning period.

Plans	Expected Results
Event Delivery Deliver federal elections, by‑elections and referendums, as required.	Delivery of the electoral process prescribed in the Canada Elections Act.
Political Financing Administer the provisions of the Canada Elections Act related to political financing. Includes reviewing files to verify compliance with the financing provisions; determining the reimbursement or subsidy amount to be paid to a political entity and/or its auditor; publishing financial returns; assisting political entities with compliance through filing extensions and return amendments; and maintaining a state of readiness for future electoral events.	Financial provisions of the Act are administered fairly, efficiently and transparently.
Political Entity Training and Education Program – Train and educate political entities on the rules of political financing.	Political Entity Training and Education Program Increased accessibility of training materials. Client satisfaction with training program
Audit and Systems Enhancements – Improve the processes related to the administration of the financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act through reviewing political entity audit programs, conducting quality assurance reviews of the audit process, and further automation of audit and related business processes.	Audit and Systems Enhancements Improved timeliness in the publication of political entity financial returns. Improved efficiency and effectiveness of administrative functions. Increased ability to detect potential non-compliance issues. Increased efficiency and effectiveness of political entity financial return audit processes.
Compliance and Enforcement Deal with complaints and referrals about contraventions of the Canada Elections Act and address alleged violations. Focus in 2008–09 will be on building the capacity to deal with political financing files and improving capacity in the field to respond to complaints.	Improved quality of investigations. More timely resolution of complaints and referrals. Improved capacity to deal with the number and complexity of complaints and referrals.

Additional Information About the Sub-Programs

Political Financing

Political Entity Training and Education Program – Elections Canada plans to expand the training and education of political entities. The objectives of this program are to facilitate compliance with the Canada Elections Act and enhance relations with political entities by engaging them through our training programs, communicating the rules for political financing, and making the process as transparent as possible.

The agency will accomplish this by providing its staff with formal instruction in training delivery techniques, developing on-line training materials and tutorials, producing self-directed learning materials, and consulting with political entities on new products and services.

Compliance and Enforcement

The focus in 2008–09 will be on building the capacity to deal with political financing files and improving in-the-field capacity to respond to complaints. The agency will achieve this by using all available enforcement tools; increasing the level of available, qualified human resources; and conducting or participating in regular consultations and information sessions within Elections Canada.

Key Program 2: Electoral Event Readiness and Improvements

Expected Result:

• Readiness to deliver electoral events whenever they may be called.

Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2008–09	2009–10	2010–11
62,799	62,799	62,799

 

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2008–09	2009–10	2010–11
282	282	282

Sub-Program

This key program is delivered through one sub-program:

• Readiness and Improvements – Electoral processes, systems, databases and materials are up to date; staff and election officers are well trained and ready for any electoral event.

Plans for 2008–09

Elections Canada will focus on the following initiatives for this sub-program during the current planning period.

Plans	Expected Results
Readiness Preparing for an electoral event: Recruitment and training of personnel.	Recruitment and training of personnel All 308 electoral districts staffed with qualified, trained returning officers, appointed through a merit-based process.
Geography Program Prepare election-ready geographic products and tools for parliamentarians, parties, returning officers, field liaison officers, candidates and the public. Update national road network and municipal boundaries, under the joint initiative with Statistics Canada.	Geography Program Updated geographic products and tools are provided to our clients to ensure that they have all the geographic information they require during an event. Improved road network; updated polling division boundaries, advance polling districts and sites. The updated information allows for more accurate lists and provides better voting accessibility.
National Register of Electors Program Update elector and address data, and ensure that addresses are in the right polling division. Provide the information to Operations for election readiness, to provincial and territorial electoral partners, and to members of Parliament and political parties to fulfill the November 15 statutory list provision.	National Register of Electors Program Up-to-date and accurate elector and address information on elector lists, resulting in reduced registration rates during elections. Met or exceeded quality targets of 92 percent of all electors listed in the Register and 80 percent of all electors listed at the correct address. The latter represents a 3 percent increase over the previous target of 77 percent.
Implementing electoral reform: Monitor and analyze legislative changes and judicial decisions, and implement resulting changes to the electoral process.	Implementing electoral reform Timely and effective implementation of changes to the electoral process.
Improvements National Register of Electors Program Elector Quality Information System (EQUIS) – Develop and implement a system allowing the Register to process elector updates that previously could not be performed.	National Register of Electors (NRoE) Program EQUIS: Improved capacity to process rejected records from the NRoE. (The system will increase the accuracy of elector and address information in the Register so that elector lists can be edited. This will decrease the need for registration activities during elections.)
Bill C-31 implementation: The National Register of Electors will implement changes identified in Bill C‑31, including the following: Improve Register data quality (e.g. include separate citizenship question on the federal income tax form). Provide political parties and candidates with greater access to resulting lists of electors (e.g. provide updated preliminary lists of electors on Day 19 of a general election). Provide political parties and members of Parliament with additional information by which to update their lists (e.g. unique identifiers).	Bill C-31 implementation:  Improved quality of the lists of electors received by federal political parties. Federal political parties and/or candidates receive timely and accurate lists of electors more frequently. Facilitated updating of lists by federal political parties and members of Parliament.
Special Voting Rules (SVR) System Redevelopment Project – Merge three separate systems used to monitor Special Voting Rules for six classes of electors who vote by special ballot.	Special Voting Rules System Increased system integration. The system provides more accurate data and eliminates redundant data shared by various Elections Canada systems. Increased efficiency of administrative processes. Improved ability to handle increased volumes of requests from SVR electors.
Accessibility Project Electronic Registration: Conduct an environmental scan of electronic (on-line) registration initiatives in Canada. Define the business requirements and conduct the procurement process for developing the system. Align the system planning and development with the Elections Canada IT Renewal strategy.	Accessibility Electronic Registration: An e-registration system developed, tested and implemented by 2010.
Electronic Voting: Develop a research report on possible electronic voting options. Identify the key enablers, opportunities and challenges. Align the system planning and development with the Elections Canada IT Renewal strategy.	Electronic Voting: A pilot on-line voting system tested in a by-election by 2013.
Other Accessibility options: Identify alternative accessibility options. Consult and engage partners and stakeholders.	Other Accessibility options: Alternative initiatives developed and implemented, improving elector access to registration and voting services.

Additional Information About the Sub-Programs

Readiness and Improvement

National Register of Electors (NRoE) – The NRoE is the database of electors and addresses that is used to produce preliminary lists of electors for any electoral event, as well as the lists of electors provided annually on November 15 to members of Parliament and political parties under section 45 of the Canada Elections Act. This program will provide more up-to-date and accurate lists for our partners and stakeholders; it will reduce the need for registration during elections and by‑elections; and it will support our strategic objective of Accessibility. Our objective is to meet or exceed our quality targets of having 92 percent of all electors listed in the Register and 80 percent of all electors listed at the correct address (the latter is a 3 percent increase over the previous target of 77 percent). The program includes establishing, maintaining and enhancing operational and strategic relationships with federal partners and data suppliers, including the Canada Revenue Agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Statistics Canada.

Discussions will continue on ways of sharing the collection, verification and maintenance of address and road network information between Elections Canada and other federal organizations, including Statistics Canada, Canada Post Corporation, and Natural Resources Canada.

Special Voting Rules (SVR) – To increase the accessibility (a strategic objective), efficiency, transparency and integrity of the voting process, in 2008–09 we will continue to review and update SVR systems and processes.

Accessibility Project – One of the core strategic objectives identified by Elections Canada in its Strategic Plan 2008–13 was increasing the accessibility of the electoral process for electors by testing innovative ways to vote and offering electors additional ways to register.

This project involves researching, monitoring, testing and potentially implementing:

• Technological trials and innovations in other jurisdictions.
• Alternative registration and voting methods.
• Emerging technologies.
• A registration process that allows electors to register in person or by mail, telephone or Internet any time and anywhere.
• A secure voting process by telephone or Internet.

Key Program 3: Public Education, Information and Support for Stakeholders

Expected Results:

• Timely and high-quality public education and information programs on electoral matters.
• Electoral processes are better known to the public, particularly persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights.

Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2008–09	2009–10	2010–11
11,457	11,457	11,457

 

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents)
2008–09	2009–10	2010–11
59	59	59

Sub-Programs

This key program is delivered through three sub-programs:

• Voter Education and Outreach – Voter Education aims at informing and educating electors about the federal electoral process, both during an electoral event and between elections. Outreach aims at reaching specific groups of electors through targeted communications. Under our Engagement strategic objective, we seek to increase young Canadians' understanding of the importance of voting and becoming candidates in elections.
• Corporate Research – Plans and conducts corporate research on Canada's electoral process, and assists the agency in evaluating its key initiatives, including through the use of post-election studies. Researches and monitors international best practices and innovations in election administration, provides training, and coordinates information exchange with similar agencies in other countries.
• Support for Stakeholders – Includes preparing for appearances by the Chief Electoral Officer before Parliament, and liaising with the chairs and clerks of parliamentary committees.

Plans for 2008–09

Elections Canada will focus on the following initiatives for these sub-programs during the current planning period.

Plans	Expected Results
Voter Education and Outreach Conduct mainstream advertising campaigns (for the general public) and targeted campaigns (for specific groups) during an election as well as between elections when the need arises to inform Canadians of major changes to the electoral process.	Greater awareness of the electoral process, especially among youth.
Elections Canada Web site redesign – Consult with all stakeholders to organize, simplify, upgrade and modernize the feel and function of Elections Canada's Web site (Year 1 of a two-year redesign initiative); continue to improve accessibility of on-line information for users with special needs.	Elections Canada Web site redesign Enhanced knowledge of user requirements. Increased accessibility of Web pages for users with special needs (persons who are blind, persons with reduced mobility, etc.)
Advertising Evaluation Framework – Develop a framework for evaluating all event advertising campaigns.	Advertising Evaluation Framework Increased integration of the agency's advertising campaigns through a better understanding of the impacts on target populations. Increased efficiency and effectiveness of the agency's advertising campaigns.
Corporate Research Plan and conduct corporate research related to Canada's electoral process, and assist the agency in evaluating its key initiatives by developing qualitative and quantitative research to assess Elections Canada's performance in delivering elections.	Increased agency knowledge of electoral matters. Increased knowledge of the agency's performance in delivering electoral events.
Corporate Research Framework – Guide a comprehensive approach to develop and implement research and evaluations that are relevant to the strategic objectives, and consolidate Elections Canada's knowledge base.	Corporate Research Framework Better support for corporate activities and legislative issues. Improved coordination of research activities and initiatives.
International Research and Co-operation – Continue to monitor best practices in electoral administration.	International Research and Co-operation Improved capacity to support electoral reform and statutory mandate.
Support for Stakeholders Develop and implement a corporate framework for assisting the Chief Electoral Officer in his appearances before parliamentary committees to discuss legislative and regulatory issues.	Strengthened co-operation with parliamentarians and political parties.
Review the mandate and composition of the Advisory Committee of Political Parties to ensure it continues to meet the needs of participants and Elections Canada.	More effective and better-designed channel to improve communications between political parties and Elections Canada.

Additional Information About the Sub-Programs

Public Education and Information

Advertising Evaluation Framework – Advertising campaigns play a major role in fulfilling Elections Canada's mandated priority of providing timely and high-quality public education and information programs on electoral matters. The agency conducts mainstream campaigns (for the general public) and targeted campaigns for Aboriginal electors, ethnocultural communities and youth – not only during federal elections but also between electoral events when the need arises to inform Canadians of major changes to the electoral process. Traditionally, Elections Canada uses print, radio, television and the Internet to reach electors, but it continues to explore new channels and ways to transmit its message (e.g. cinemas, Web and electronic billboards).

The Advertising Evaluation Framework will provide a method for evaluation of all advertising streams, including short- and long-term expectations and performance indicators. Baseline performance targets and indicators need to be established to measure the success of our various advertising campaigns. The framework will also help develop an integrated assessment of the cost-effectiveness of advertising activities and will promote more efficient campaigns.

Key Program 4: Electoral Boundaries Redistribution

Expected Result:

• Efficient and non-partisan administration of the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act.

Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

• Full-time equivalents, salaries and operating costs for 2008–09 are included in the Geography Program under Key Program 2.

Sub-Program

This program activity is delivered through one sub-program:

• Electoral Boundaries Redistribution – Representation in the House of Commons after each decennial (10-year) census is readjusted to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population. Readjustment of federal electoral boundaries is carried out by independent commissions in each province, with the support of Elections Canada.

Plans for 2008–09

Elections Canada will focus on the following initiatives for this sub-program during the current planning period.

Plans	Expected Results
Electoral Boundaries Redistribution Readjust representation in the House of Commons after each decennial census. Planning of the next redistribution process – Prepare an updated redistricting tool to assist commissions. Coordinate and organize commission offices and staff.	Updated documentation related to the next redistribution process. Environmental scan on redistricting tools and new technology to enhance services to commissions.

Additional Information About the Sub-Program

This activity was last completed in 2003–04. Once we receive the 2011 Census return, redistribution will begin again. However, we will start planning activities for this mandated priority in 2008–09.

Corporate Services/Program Enablers

Expected Results:

• Improved support for the agency's mandated priorities and strategic objectives.
• Strengthened business and human resources planning, reporting and accountability through results-based management.

Plans for 2008–09

Elections Canada will focus on the following corporate initiatives to be launched or pursued in this reporting period.

Plans	Expected Results
Corporate Services/Program Enablers IT Renewal – Modernize technology infrastructure and centralize field systems.	IT Renewal Rationalized and modern IT environment. Revised infrastructure that will support increased on-line services for electors.
Human Resources Modernization – Develop policies and guidelines to support modernization.	Human Resources Modernization Improved human resources planning. Enhanced focus on people through capacity building and leadership. Enhanced guidance and support for new employees.
Review the agency's Program Activity Architecture and develop a high-level Performance Management Framework for Electoral Events.	Performance Management Framework for Electoral Events Improved reporting on delivery of general events, with a stronger focus on results. Improved transparency and accountability. Strengthened agency ability to evaluate and continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of the electoral process.
Stewardship – Internal Audit – Implement the internal audit activities and the audit committee.	Stewardship – Internal Audit Increased assurance to Chief Electoral Officer, senior management, stakeholders and Canadians on controls, governance and risk management at Elections Canada.

Additional Information About the Corporate Initiatives

Information Technology Renewal – Elections Canada is conducting a multi-year initiative to modernize the IT infrastructure and the applications it uses. Modernization will provide a flexible platform facilitating business changes and upgrades required by evolving legislation and policies. It will also position the agency to better respond to legislative changes (timely response to Parliament initiatives to enhance the electoral process) and new internal initiatives such as:

• improving service to electors through on-line registration and eventually the testing of alternative voting methods
• enhancing Trust through the increased integrity of the electoral process

The outcome of this project will be a new IT environment for Elections Canada that is rationalized, takes full advantage of modern information and communications technology, provides improved business capability with the same high level of reliability during events as in the past, and fulfills our IT requirements for the next 5 to 10 years.

In 2008–09, the IT Renewal team will complete the technical and business architecture definitions for the new IT environment, complete procurement activities for the new data centre, and begin the centralization and development of the field application systems. The first set of new IT service management processes to support the new IT environment will be developed and implemented.

Human Resources – In 2007, Elections Canada conducted a survey of employees. While the survey results highlighted key strengths of the organization (vision and purpose; teamwork and information sharing; sense of pride and accomplishment; challenging work), other elements require our attention. Particularly needing to be addressed are employee feedback, training and development, employee recognition, and internal communications. In 2008–09, the agency intends to work closely with its employees and engage middle managers in better understanding the survey results, and in proposing and implementing initiatives that will make a genuine difference. In addition, Elections Canada intends to conduct the survey again in 2008–09 to assess the progress it has made in addressing some of the challenges that were identified.

In 2008–09, the agency will also review the current service model for internal human resources services, with the aim of ensuring efficiency, appropriate support to managers, and continued adherence to public service values, legislation and guidelines.

As well, Elections Canada intends to develop and adopt a longer-term action plan for the development of its human resources, in support of its new strategic plan. The overall action plan will build on the human resources plans currently being developed.

Performance Management Framework – Elections Canada will continue to enhance the quality of its performance measurement by developing and implementing a more comprehensive performance management framework at the corporate level for ongoing activities. In 2008–09, we will focus on the development of a performance management framework for general election delivery.

Stewardship – Internal Audit – The internal audit function is a key component of Elections Canada's governance framework. In accordance with the 2006 internal audit policy, Elections Canada has initiated the activities required and is committed to continuing work in 2008–09 to meet the April 1, 2009, deadline for full implementation.

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