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The Chief Electoral Officer is an Officer of Parliament appointed by resolution of the House of Commons. As head of Elections Canada, an independent, non‑partisan agency, he or she is responsible for the administration of federal elections and referendums, and the registration of political entities and electors. This Officer also provides support to the independent electoral boundaries commissions which carry out the periodic readjustment of electoral boundaries. The position of Chief Electoral Officer was created in 1920 with the adoption of the Dominion Elections Act.[185] The position was created largely to prevent political partisanship in the administration of elections (prior to 1920, election officials were appointed by the government of the day). The first incumbent of the position was specifically named in the Act: Oliver Mowat Biggar held the position of Chief Electoral Officer until 1927.[186] In 1927, when Mr. Biggar announced his intention to vacate the office, the Act was amended to remove any reference to a specific office holder and to establish that the Chief Electoral Officer would be appointed by resolution of the House rather than by the government of the day.[187] Since that time, the position has been independent of the government and political parties, with the incumbent reporting directly to the House of Commons. The Chief Electoral Officer communicates with the Governor in Council through a member of the Queen’s Privy Council designated by Governor in Council for that purpose.[188] There have been six incumbents of this office.[189] With the exception of Mr. Biggar who was appointed by statute, all the incumbents have been chosen by way of a resolution of the House after consultations among the various parties in the House.[190] A motion setting out the appointment was moved by the Prime Minister in 1927 and 1949, after written notice appeared on the Order Paper.[191] A motion was moved by unanimous consent on behalf of the Prime Minister in 1966[192] and by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General in 1990.[193] In all four cases, the motion was debated only briefly and agreed to by all parties. In 2007, in accordance with new House rules, the name of the proposed appointee was referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for consideration. After the Committee reported back to the House favourably on the nomination, the Government House Leader moved that the appointment be ratified by the House the same day. The motion was adopted without debate or amendment.[194] The Chief Electoral Officer’s appointment is without term. He or she serves until the age of 65, unless he or she retires, resigns or is removed for cause by the Governor General following a joint address of the House of Commons and Senate.[195]
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