Minister of State Named for Referendum Act

Summary#

This Order (registration SI/2025-13) names the Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) as the minister responsible for the Referendum Act. The Order was made on February 12, 2025 and published in the Canada Gazette on February 26, 2025; it also repeals the earlier Order P.C. 2023-777.

What it does#

• Repeals the previous designation, P.C. 2023-777 (dated July 26, 2023).
• Designates the Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) as the minister who will handle matters under the Referendum Act.
• The change is an administrative designation. It does not change the text of the Referendum Act itself.

Who's affected#

• The named minister and staff at the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
• Federal officials and offices that deal with the Referendum Act and with organizing referendums.
• Members of the public only in the sense that the named minister would be the government contact and responsible official if a federal referendum were to occur.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies which minister is responsible for administering the rules and any government actions tied to a federal referendum.
• For most people this is a routine internal government step with no immediate effect. It becomes relevant if or when a federal referendum is held, since that minister would be the contact and accountable official for related matters.