With the upcoming Federal election on September 20, 2021, it is
important for Employers to understand their statutory obligations
to employees under the Canada Elections Act, SC 2000, c
9.
Requirement for Three Consecutive Hours Outside of
Work to Vote
Employees who are qualified to vote (i.e., Canadian citizens who
are at least 18 years old) are entitled under the Canada
Elections Act to three consecutive hours outside of work to
vote. If the employee's hours of work do not permit the
employee to have three consecutive hours outside of work to vote,
the Employer is required to provide the employee with the minimum
amount of paid time off to ensure that the employee has their three
consecutive hours outside of work to vote. However, the Employer
has the ability under the Canada Elections Act to
determine what time the employee can have off to vote.
