Elections Nova Scotia

The position of CEO is vital to the delivery of democracy and the management of the electoral process in the province. Mr. Temporale has served Nova Scotia as CEO since 2012 and also served as the Assistant Chief Electoral Officer from 2008 – 2012. During his tenure, Mr. Temporale provided exemplary leadership through four provincial elections, 17 by-elections, and five judicial recounts.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of the Elections Nova Scotia team for the last fourteen years,” said Temporale. “I am grateful for the wise counsel of the chairs and members of the Election Commission and I appreciate the supportive working relationship I have experienced with the registered political parties, our returning officers, my fellow election officials across Canada, and the other independent officers of the Province of Nova Scotia.”

Mr. Temporale is leaving Elections Nova Scotia in a strong position to continue to be an innovative leader amongst electoral management bodies in Canada.

The Role of Chief Electoral Officer

As head of Elections Nova Scotia, the CEO is accountable to the House of Assembly. The CEO provides independent, non-partisan, strategic advice on election-related matters and best practices in accordance with the terms of the Elections Act, and relevant laws. The CEO supervises the conduct of elections and provides leadership on other Elections Nova Scotia programs, services, operations and infrastructure.

The CEO administers provincial general elections and by-elections and keeps voters and candidates aware of their rights and responsibilities. It is the CEO’s responsibility to ensure that election officers act with fairness and impartiality, and in compliance with election laws (Elections Act, and House of Assembly Act). The CEO also receives annual statements from all recognized parties and their associations, regarding the political contributions they received and the tax receipts they issued.

During a provincial general or by-election, the CEO has specific powers to:

• extend the time for completing various tasks under the legislation; however, the CEO cannot extend the time for accepting nominations or the times for the opening and closing of the advance or ordinary polls
• prescribe and modify forms to suit existing circumstances
• remove from office any election officer who is not performing the duties of office satisfactorily, or who is showing a preference for one party over another
• appoint Returning Officers
• generally adapt the provisions of the Elections Act to fit the circumstances