Information for Official Agents
An official agent acts on behalf of a candidate and has signing authority for campaign financing and other administrative authorities where allowed.
One of the key roles of an official agent is to manage all aspects of their candidate’s campaign finances. An official agent is required to receive contributions, issue tax receipts, account for contributions and expenses, and keep detailed records and receipts. Within 90 days following the return of the writ, the official agent completes and submits the candidate’s Election Financial Report.
Responsibilities
The official agent is responsible for a number of activities that take place before and after ordinary polling day. It is important for the official agent to understand that their obligations continue until all post-election reporting is complete.
From Issue of the Writ to Return of the Writ (Election Period)
- Receiving all contributions for the candidate’s campaign
- Issuing official tax receipts for monetary contributions
- Reimbursing the candidate for any expenses incurred prior to the campaign period, to be paid using contributions received
- Depositing all contributions into a bank account or another institution approved by the Chief Electoral Officer (if applicable)
- Recording all contributions received and election expenses incurred during the campaign period
- Recording the name and address of each person or organization who contributes
- Authorizing and paying all campaign expenses
- Authorizing other people, in writing, to receive contributions or incur expenses on behalf of the official agent
After Election Period to end of Campaign Period (30 days following the return of the Writ)
- Ensuring all bills are received and paid
- Returning all tax receipt books to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
- Submitting an accurate and complete candidate Election Financial Report to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
- Requesting (if required) an extension to the deadline for submitting the candidate’s Financial Report, or any accompanying documentation
- The Election Financing Return is required to be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer within 90 days following the return of the writ.
Official Agent Election Finance Resources
Note: The EFR template is an Excel spreadsheet for ease of use but is uploaded as a PDF for display on the website only.