The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that a by-election will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2006 in the district of Signal Hill - Quidi Vidi.

"I am pleased today to announce that on November 1, the people of Signal Hill - Quidi Vidi will have the opportunity to vote for representation in the House of Assembly," said Premier Williams. "The people of the province thank the outgoing member, Mr. Jack Harris, for his years of service and we look forward to welcoming a new member into the legislature."

The Williams administration amended the House of Assembly Act in 2004 to ensure by-elections are announced within 60 days and conducted within 90 days of vacancy. The seat was officially vacated in late September.

"Our government committed to the people of the province that we would eliminate prolonged periods of vacancy when an MHA decided to resign from their seat in the legislature," continued Premier Williams. "With the House of Assembly getting ready to convene for the fall sitting in November, it is important to call this by-election now so that the new member is ready to represent the people of Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi when the house opens. I look forward to a spirited campaign by all those involved and I encourage all residents of the district to participate in this democratic process and to vote on November 1."

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960 or 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca