Public Safety Minister designated under Elections Act

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published SI/2023-48, the Order Designating the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the Minister for the Purposes of the Canada Elections Act, on August 16, 2023. The order says the person who counts as "the Minister" in the Canada Elections Act is now the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

What it does#

• Repeals Order in Council P.C. 2021-941 (dated October 26, 2021).
• Designates the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as "the Minister" for the purposes of the Canada Elections Act.
• This change was made by P.C. 2023-778 on July 26, 2023 and recorded as SI/2023-48.

Who's affected#

• The federal officials and departments that deal with the Canada Elections Act.
• People or organizations that interact with ministerial authority under the Act (for example, those who rely on decisions or directions that the Act assigns to "the Minister").
• The source does not list specific programs, offices, or day-to-day actions that will change.

Why it matters#

• The Canada Elections Act gives certain powers and responsibilities to "the Minister." This order decides which cabinet minister holds that legal role.
• That can affect who in government is able to exercise those powers, respond to questions about the Act, or be accountable for parts of election-related administration.
• The notice itself is a formal administrative change; it does not explain any operational shifts or new policies.