NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2002AG0054-000642 Aug. 20, 2001		Office of the Premier Ministry of Attorney General
GOVERNMENT HONOURS FIXED ELECTION DATE PROMISE

VICTORIA – The government has introduced legislation to establish fixed provincial election dates, a key component of its New Era agenda to make public institutions more open and accountable, Premier Gordon Campbell and Attorney General Geoff Plant announced today.

 

            "As part of our 90-day agenda, we committed to establish a fixed provincial election date under the BC Constitution Act, ensuring provincial elections must be held on a fixed date every fourth year, or immediately if any government loses a confidence vote in the legislature," Campbell said. "This is a crucial step in restoring public trust and confidence, by making government more open and accountable."

 

            "The timing of elections should not be manipulated for political or partisan purposes. Under this legislation, all British Columbians will know how long the government has to meet its commitments, and when they will be able to hold us to account."

 

            Under the amendments to the Constitution Act, the next provincial election will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2005, and after that, on the second Tuesday in May every four years. The legislation provides for an immediate election in the event of the government losing a confidence vote, with the next election being held four years later.

 

"Fixed election dates already exist at the municipal level. We should be striving for this at the provincial level too," Plant said. "We want to strengthen public confidence in the political process and ensure greater certainty in public sector planning."

Fixed dates for elections will allow public institutions to plan more effectively in delivering government priorities. It will also let Elections B.C. plan in advance for the activities leading up to and during an election. As a result, there should be a reduction in some administrative costs, with regard to temporary staffing and office and equipment leases.

 

The government has also established a fixed date for the tabling of the provincial budget and a set legislative calendar.

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Media Contact:   Kate Thompson, Ministry of Attorney General, 250 387-5008

Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services.