The Minister of Municipal Affairs introduced amendments to the Regulation respecting the tariff of remuneration payable for municipal elections and referendums, as outlined in the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities (chapter E-2.2). This legislative change is designed to adjust the compensation framework for election and referendum officers, including returning officers and clerks.

The Regulation to amend the Regulation respecting the tariff of remuneration payable for municipal elections and referendums updates certain provisions in response to the evolving needs of the election process. Section 2, which concerns the compensation of returning officers, has been revised to state that a returning officer is entitled to a fixed remuneration of $447 for each advance polling or polling day at their polling station. This change aims to ensure that compensation is more aligned with the work performed on these specific days of the election process. Similarly, section 24, which addresses the remuneration of the clerk or clerk-treasurer (or their replacements), has been amended to establish that these officials will also receive $447 for each referendum advance polling or polling day at their respective polling stations. This update standardizes the pay structure for these important roles, ensuring consistent compensation across different types of elections and referendums.

The adjustments underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent electoral system, where officials are adequately compensated for their crucial roles in ensuring the smooth operation of municipal elections and referendums.

The amendment represents a continued effort to optimize the administration of municipal elections and referendums. By updating the remuneration tariffs for key officials, the regulation ensures that election officers and referendum officers are compensated in a manner that reflects the responsibilities and workload associated with these positions. This order plays a critical role in improving the governance of municipal elections and referendums in Québec, making sure that all election-related activities are managed effectively and that those carrying out these duties are fairly remunerated for their service to the public.

Élections Québec provides comprehensive training programs for individuals involved in provincial, municipal, and school elections to ensure they effectively carry out their roles in accordance with Québec law. For provincial elections, training is offered to returning officers, who oversee the election process in an electoral division; assistant returning officers, who support them; revisors, who manage updates to the list of electors; polling officers, who perform duties at polling stations; and financial roles such as official agents and official representatives, who manage expenses and financial matters during and outside election periods. For municipal elections, courses are offered to returning officers—typically clerks or secretary-treasurers—especially in municipalities with populations of 5,000 or more, where specific training addresses larger-scale needs.

Quebec (MO 2025) April 2, 2025
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