Statement by Government of Canada on Protecting Canada’s General Elections

The Clerk of the Privy Council, on behalf of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP) Panel, issued the following statement

Ottawa, Ontario, March 24, 2025 – Today, the Clerk of the Privy Council, on behalf of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP) Panel, issued the following statement:

“Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, empowering citizens to shape the future through their vote. Exercising this democratic right is not only a privilege but a duty that sustains freedom and equality for all. Federal departments and national security agencies across the Government have been working diligently to protect our democracy and institutions from threats that aim to undermine our democratic and electoral processes. Their work is critical to securing Canada’s democratic processes, and ensuring the safety and security of Canadians in the face of foreign interference and violent extremism threats directed at elections.

“As of March 23, 2025, Canada has entered into an election period, activating the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (the Protocol). The Protocol is an impartial process for communicating with Canadians during the election period about interference that may threaten the integrity of elections. The Protocol is consistent with the Caretaker Convention, which calls on the Government to act with restraint while maintaining routine or urgent operations during the writ period.