The candidate experience: Campaigning and operating during a Federal election

On behalf of Elections Canada, the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy (IFSD) at the University of Ottawa is hosting virtual information sessions highlighting the candidate experience. The live sessions will include a variety of perspectives on the electoral apparatus, considerations on the ground, and campaigning during the pandemic.

Session 1:  The candidate experience: Campaigning and operating in a Federal election

Monday, March 29, 2021 

Our panelists:

Coreen Corcoran, Libertarian Party of Canada
Anna Di Carlo, Marxist-Leninist Party of Canda
Andy Filmore, Liberal Party of Canada
Elizabeth May,  Green Party of Canada
Julius Tiangson, Conservative Party of Canada

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Session 2: Faire campagne et opérer pendent une élection fédérale

Le Mardi, 30 mars, 2021 

Nos Panélistes:

Maxime Bernier,  PPC
Ruth-Ellen Brosseau, NPD
Greg Fergus, Libéral
Marilène Gill, Bloc Québécois
Danny Légaré, parti Marijuana

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Session 3: The candidate experience: Campaigning and operating in a Federal election

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 

Our panelists:

Sébastien CoRhino, Rhinoceros Party
Katie Omstead, Liberal Party of Canada
Bruce Stanton,  Conservative Party of Canada
Jordan Reichert, Animal Protection Party of Canada
Emilie Taman, NDP

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Elections are core tenets of our democracy. There are several ways of getting involved during an election from volunteering for a candidate, running as a candidate, serving as an official agent, etc.

The official agent role is unique on the campaign team, as they manage the campaign’s financial practices and reporting to Elections Canada. This important role in compliance and management merits attention.

The Candidate Journey: The Role of Official Agents

 Mr. Oliver Kent,  Official Agent for the NDP.

The Candidate Journey: The Role of Official Agents

Stephen Best, Chief Agent, Animal Protection Party of Canada

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The role of the Official Agent: The calm in the storm

Stephen Best, Chief Agent, Animal Protection Party of Canada  

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The role of the Official Agent: Making tough decisions
 

Stephen Best, Chief Agent, Animal Protection Party of Canada  

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Le parcours du candidat : Le rôle d’un agent officiel

Tommy Desfossés,  Président de l'association libérale fédérale de Hull Aylmer

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Le parcours du candidat : L’agent officiel en action

Tommy Desfossés,  Président de l'association libérale fédérale de Hull Aylmer

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Journey to Running in a Federal Election

Canadians thinking about running in a federal election may be intimidated by the process, have a lot of questions, and be unsure of where to start. In collaboration with Elections Canada’s Inspire Democracy program, we are pleased to present the Journey to Running in a Federal Election Video Series, which aims to explain the candidacy process. 

We’ve gathered stories from former and current candidates, elected officials and the political strategists who support them to break down what each phase of candidacy is really like.


What inspired you to run or support a candidate?

What compels someone to become a candidate? Participants describe their inspirations and motivations for running in a federal election.

Closed captioning is available in English and French. You can select your language under Settings.

How did you become a candidate, and what were some of the obstacles you faced?

You’ve made the decision to put your name in the hat and run for office. How do you develop a plan and put it into action? Participants describe how they went from citizen to candidate.

Closed captioning is available in English and French. You can select your language under Settings.

What was it like being a candidate and running a campaign?

We see candidates in public debates and giving interviews on TV, but what is the experience really like? Former and current candidates, elected officials and those who support them share their insights.

Closed captioning is available in English and French. You can select your language under Settings.


What are some of the challenges of being a candidate, and how do you overcome them?

Running as a candidate is a big commitment. Find out what the major challenges are, and how you can overcome them.

Closed captioning is available in English and French. You can select your language under Settings.


What is most rewarding about being or supporting a candidate?

Even though there are challenges, being a candidate is not without reward. Former and current candidates, elected officials and those who support them share what makes the experience so special.

Closed captioning is available in English and French. You can select your language under Settings.


What advice do you have for those thinking of running?

Have you decided that you want to become a candidate in the next federal election? Veterans of the process share their top tips with you.

Closed captioning is available in English and French. You can select your language under Settings.