Premier announces date for by-election in Exploits

Premier Danny Williams announced today that the by-election for the district of Exploits will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2005.

"The people of Exploits district deserve to have an early opportunity to elect a new Member of the House of Assembly as their provincial representative," said Premier Williams. "By calling the by-election now, we are enabling the people of Exploits district to celebrate the swearing-in of their new provincial representative as early as possible. I have always stated that by-elections should be called promptly, to ensure all of our citizens have representation in government, and I look forward to hearing from the people of Exploits district at the polls."

In 2003, Premier Williams committed to bring forward a legislative amendment to require that a by-election be called within 60 days of a vacancy in the House of Assembly.

In 2004, the Williams government introduced and piloted an amendment to the House of Assembly Act through the legislature, ensuring that: "Where a vacancy occurs in the House of Assembly, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council shall, within 60 days after the seat becomes vacant, issue a proclamation for the holding of an election and return of a member for the district in respect of which the vacancy has occurred."

Premier Williams said, "I encourage all residents of Exploits district to get involved in the process of choosing a new MHA to represent your interests and aspirations. Members of the House of Assembly look forward to welcoming a new colleague to the legislature."

The vacancy was created by the resignation of Roger Grimes as the MHA for Exploits district effective at noon on June 1, 2005.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 06 01                     2:00 p.m.