Employer Obligations On Election Day – October 21, 2019

On October 21, 2019, Canada goes to the polls. It is important for employers to be aware of their obligations under the Canada Elections Act, SC 2000, c 9 (the "Act"), and the rights of employees to have time away from work to cast their votes in the federal election.

Three Consecutive Hours to Vote

All employees who are Canadian citizens and 18 years of age or older are entitled to have three consecutive hours off work on election day during voting hours to cast their ballots. Time off with pay must be provided, at the convenience of the employer, to the extent necessary to allow three consecutive hours for voting.

In Manitoba, polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. In Saskatchewan, Alberta and those portions of British Columbia using Mountain Time, polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. In the remainder of British Columbia, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.