OTTAWA and GATINEAU — With a federal election officially called for September 20, the CRTC announced today its Voter Contact Registry is now accepting applications from candidates, political parties, corporations, trade associations and others who plan to use a calling service provider to contact voters during the election campaign.
“The Voter Contact Registry helps protect Canadians from rogue and misleading telephone calls during federal elections, and to ensure that those who contact voters during an election do so transparently,” reads a CRTC press release.
The Commission will accept registrations up until 48 hours after the federal election is held on Monday, September 20.
Anyone using a calling service provider to contact voters during the election must register with the CRTC within 48 hours of making the first call. The calling service provider is also required to register with the CRTC.
“In addition, anyone using their own internal services to make calls to voters using an automatic dialing and announcing device (often referred to as robocalls) will have to register with the CRTC within 48 hours of making the first call. Third-party corporations or groups using internal services to make live calls or using a dialing device, also must register with the CRTC within 48 hours of making the first call,” says the press release.
Registrations to the Voter Contact Registry must be submitted to the CRTC here.
The CRTC can impose fines of up to $1,500 for individuals and up to $15,000 for corporations for each violation, says the release.
“We encourage political parties, candidates and anyone else who is considering making calls to carefully review the Voter Contact Registry requirements to avoid negative consequences. We will be closely monitoring individuals and organizations subject to these requirements aimed at protecting Canadians,” said Ian Scott, chair and CEO of the CRTC, in the release.
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