During the recent spring federal election in Canada, there were attempts to spread misinformation and disinformation, but Elections Canada confirmed that these efforts did not influence the outcome of the 45th general election. The agency, along with the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force, found no evidence of foreign interference, criminal activities, cybersecurity incidents, or coordinated disinformation campaigns affecting the election process.
Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault stated that unlike the 2021 federal election, no instances were identified involving foreign countries attempting to interfere in the administration of the spring election. Elections Canada actively maintained electoral integrity by proactively identifying and countering false information through increased social media engagement. The agency escalated its social media presence, posting 1,531 messages on platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, up from 1,059 messages during the previous general election.
Additionally, Elections Canada released 26 videos focusing on election integrity and six videos providing information on voting procedures. By addressing misinformation, enhancing transparency, and expanding digital outreach, the agency facilitated informed public discourse on the electoral process and ensured Canadians had access to reliable information for confident participation.
The total cost of the recent federal election was estimated at $570 million, slightly lower than the $574.2 million spent on the 44th general election. The rise in special ballots and advanced polling was attributed to the challenges faced by Elections Canada, particularly in non-fixed-election scenarios with shorter preparation times.
The increase in early voting led to adjustments in election preparation timelines, with nearly half of all voters opting for early voting. Special ballots and advanced polls have become more popular, necessitating changes in the handling of ballots and voter information. Perrault announced a review of special ballot usage and proposed program modifications to accommodate the growing trend of early voting.
Elections Canada reported 44 security incidents during the 45th federal election, with 29 incidents requiring police intervention. While three physical assaults were recorded, other incidents involved disruptive behaviors or threats related to voter identification requirements and election materials tampering. Notably, the agency responded to emergencies such as flooding in Kashechewan and health facility contamination in Neskantaga by facilitating voting for affected individuals at special polling stations.
Overall, Elections Canada’s efforts to combat misinformation and ensure electoral integrity during the election were deemed successful, with no significant impact on the election outcome attributed to foreign interference or disinformation campaigns.