Karolyn Savard (General Counsel and Senior Director, Legal Services, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer) at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee

I'll answer that.

Returning officers are always on duty.

I think you are asking about when the returning officer's office has to be opened. Yes, if nomination papers are being filed before the election period begins, offices would need to be opened prior to that date. Right now, I don't think that's possible. It's difficult as it is to set up the offices within the prescribed time frame, so this could create operational challenges.