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VICTORIA – The Electoral Reform Referendum 2009 Act, legislation to allow a second referendum on an alternative electoral system, was introduced by Attorney General Wally Oppal today.
The
referendum required under this legislation will be held in conjunction with the
next scheduled provincial general election on May 12, 2009. The referendum will
be similar to the one held in 2005, but with some important differences.
Public
funding will be available to groups who are supporters or detractors of both
the single transferable vote (STV) and the current first-past-the-post election
systems. Through the chief electoral officer, registered groups will be given
funds to provide information and educational material about their positions.
Specific funding criteria and the process for applying would be established in
regulations.
A
total of $500,000 will be made available to each side of the debate. Government
will again fund a neutral referendum information office, as it did in 2005.
The
referendum question will be introduced by government for debate in the
legislative assembly before it is put to voters. The proposed electoral map
will be available during the referendum, so voters will be able to see how STV
would affect their electoral districts if it is adopted.
The
threshold for success will be the same as in 2005 – at least 60 per cent of the
provincewide popular vote and majority support in at least 60 per cent of the
province’s electoral districts. If the referendum vote is in favour of STV, it
will be in place for B.C.’s 2013 election.
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Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Attorney General 250 387-4962 |
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