Elections Canada left open to scandal by budget cuts

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OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – Could budget cuts of $7.5 million annually leave Elections Canada open for more fraud next time we head to the polls? Training to make sure candidates and parties know the rules at voting time is partially getting axed.

The announcement came last week. Part of the federal budget included a cut of 8 per cent to the government agency.

The cuts won’t affect the current investigation into the robocall scandal, that money is provided outside of Elections Canada‘s operating budget.

What it will mean is less money for training – for regions, candidates and parties so that they can conform to and understand campaigning rules and regulations. There are concerns the lack of education could lead to another scandal.

Other areas which will see less money include referendum preparation, special initiatives, international assistance for developing countries trying to establish voting, and service improvements for byelections.

Elections Canada‘s studies of iVoting (online voting) will continue. That is still years of testing and pilot projects away.  As well, it would require additional funds from the government to make the switch.  

How many jobs will be affected by the budget cuts has yet to be determined.

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