Expanded powers for commissioner of Canada Elections allow timely action, but critics weary of potential for due process violations

Bill C-25 provides Commissioner of Canada Elections Caroline Simard, the enforcer of the Canada Elections Act, new authority to compel witnesses to provide testimony and demand documents for investigations without obtaining a judge's warrant.

Canada's Commissioner of Canada Elections Caroline Simard, left, and Canada's Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault, pictured March 2, 2023, at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee to answer questions about foreign election interference.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY JESSE CNOCKAERT

August 3, 2026

Recently expanded powers for the commissioner of Canada Elections, the person responsible for enforcing the Canada Elections Act, include new investigative tools and higher administrative monetary penalties, which have “some teeth” when it comes to combatting foreign int...

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