Public Safety Minister Named for Referendum Act

Summary#

This is an order (/SI/2023-47/) that names the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the minister responsible for the Referendum Act. The order, P.C. 2023-777 dated July 26, 2023, was registered in the Canada Gazette on August 16, 2023 and repeals the earlier order P.C. 2021-940 of October 26, 2021.

What it does#

• Repeals P.C. 2021-940 (the previous designation made on October 26, 2021).
• Designates the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the responsible minister for the Referendum Act (made by P.C. 2023-777, July 26, 2023; registered August 16, 2023).

Who's affected#

• The main immediate effect is administrative: it changes who is officially named as the responsible minister under the Referendum Act.
• That change matters primarily to the minister named and to government officials or offices that would interact with or report to that minister on referendum matters.
• It is unclear from the order whether this causes any operational changes to specific departments or programs beyond the change of ministerial responsibility.

Why it matters#

• The order clarifies which cabinet minister is legally responsible for matters under the Referendum Act.
• If a referendum were to be held or related decisions needed, this identifies the minister who would be accountable and who would coordinate related government actions.
• Otherwise, this is a routine administrative designation with no immediate effect on the public.