Complaints Guide
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
on Complaints Guide
Who Can Complain?
Any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that a matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Office may lodge a complaint.
Which Complaint Form Should You Use?
Complainants should use Form A when submitting complaints relating to handouts and Form B for all other complaints or general matters
Are There Any Fees for Lodging a Complaint?
No fee or charge of any kind is payable when lodging a complaint, as the complaint process is completely free of charge.
Can Your Identity Be Protected?
A complainant may request that their identity be kept anonymous when lodging a complaint and must provide reasons for such a request. The Office will consider the request and communicate its decision. Where a request for anonymity is rejected, reasons will be provided. The Office may also, on its own initiative, protect a complainant’s identity where it considers it to be in the public interest to do so
How Does the Office Handle Your Complaint?
Once a complaint is received, the Office will acknowledge receipt within 72 hours, register and review the complaint, and determine within 7 days whether the complaint should be admitted or rejected. Where a complaint is admitted, the investigation process will commence.
What Happens When a Complaint Is Admitted?
When a complaint is admitted, the Office formally registers and opens the matter, notifies the person complained against within 7 days of the commencement of investigations, and allows that person 30 days to submit a written response. During the investigation, investigators may require individuals to attend proceedings, produce documents, or provide sworn statements.
When May a Complaint Be Rejected?
A complaint may be rejected if it is frivolous, vexatious, or not made in good faith; if it does not disclose a contravention of the Act; if the incident occurred more than 120 days before the complaint was lodged; if the matter is already being handled by another law enforcement agency or a court; or if it has previously been submitted and rejected without any new facts or legal issues being raised.
What Types of Complaints Will the Office Consider?
The Office will only receive and consider complaints that relate to matters falling within the statutory mandate of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. Complaints that fall outside the Office’s mandate may be declined or referred to the appropriate authority.