Elections Nova Scotia Training for Official Agents for Electoral District Association January 2015

Topics Covered (Official Agent of EDA) What are my responsibilities? What are deadlines? What are my do’s and don’ts? Who can I ask if I have questions? Sample Forms

What are my responsibilities? Maintaining Bank account Filing the Registration form and annual renewal with ENS Filing annual financial report with ENS Working with your party, submit Fundraising Forms for approval Maintain financial records for all payments and contributions Inform ENS when changes to EDA officials, bank and auditor Take advantage of provincial funding for booking fees or accounting software purchase

What are my deadlines? Annual Registration renewal due March 31 Annual Financial submission due March 31 Fundraising Form due 120 days after event Updates to registration due 5 days after change of information

What are my do’s and don’ts? Do’s –Maintain financial records for your EDA –Use booking service or purchase software (funding available) –Report annual filing on time –Submit Fundraising forms for approval –Respond to requests from ENS in a timely manner –Have an audit done if your contributions exceed $5,000 in a calendar year Don’ts –Issue tax receipts (this is the responsibility of the Party OA) –Pay for election expenses, other than early advertising (these are to be charged to the campaign during a writ period)

Who can I ask if I have questions? Elections Nova Scotia Website –Handbook –PDF fillable forms –Various reports Telephone – or toll free As requested, ENS will provide training at party sponsored events

Sample Forms