Chief Electoral Officer Appoints New Returning Officers

"To date, 270 of the 308 returning officers across Canada have been appointed. Elections Canada is continuing the selection process in the remaining 38 electoral districts, and it is expected that by March 1, 2007, the process will be complete," said Mr. Kingsley.

The Chief Electoral Officer is reappointing 190 of the 308 returning officers based on the satisfactory performance of their work, in accordance with the process set out in the Canada Elections Act. Competitions were launched in the remaining 118 electoral districts on December 12, 2006, when the Federal Accountability Act received royal assent. To seek applicants for the 118 positions, Elections Canada placed advertisements in newspapers across the country; it received 2,700 applications.

"Elections Canada conducted more than 570 interviews across the country and was impressed with the level of experience and qualifications of the applicants. All interviews have now been completed, and all applicants who were interviewed and/or assessed are being advised of the results of the competitions," added Mr. Kingsley.

A list of returning officers appointed to date is available on the Elections Canada Web site at www.elections.ca. This list will be updated regularly as each selection process is completed.

Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament.

www.elections.ca