The Federal Election will be held October 21, 2019.

In the forthcoming Federal Election on Monday, October 21, 2019, voting hours will run from 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. For the majority of employees whose normal work day ends at 5:00 p.m., no time off is required.

Under Section 132 of the Canada Elections Act:

“(1) Every employee who is an elector is entitled, during voting hours on polling day, to have three consecutive hours for the purpose of casting his or her vote and, if his or her hours of work do not allow for those three consecutive hours, his or her employer shall allow the time for voting that is necessary to provide those three consecutive hours.

(2) The time that the employer shall allow for voting under subsection (1) is at the convenience of the employer.”

Under Section 133, subsection (1) of the Act, “No employer may make a deduction from the pay of an employee, or impose a penalty, for the time that the employer shall allow for voting under subsection 132(1).”

If you manage employees who have extended work hours, please ensure they are excused from work at an appropriate time and are able to vote by providing three consecutive hours in compliance with the Canada Elections Act, Section 132.

For information, including voting locations, voter registration and advance polls, please visit http://www.elections.ca/home.aspx.