Executive Council
January 17, 2007

Premier Williams Announces Date for Three By-elections

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that by-elections will be held Thursday, February 8, 2007 in the districts of Kilbride, Ferryland and Port au Port.

“I am pleased today to announce that on February 8 the constituents in these three districts will have the opportunity to vote for new representation in the House of Assembly,” said Premier Williams. “The people of these three districts have all had tremendous representation in the past, and will now welcome new members to be their voice in the provincial legislature.”

The Williams’ Government 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 three seats participating in the by-election have all been vacated within the past month.

“Our government committed to the people of the province that we would eliminate prolonged periods of vacancy when MHAs resigned their seats in the House of Assembly,” added Premier Williams. “In an effective and successful democracy, there is nothing more important than ensuring that people have elected representation. I look forward to an energetic campaign by all involved and I encourage all residents in the districts of Kilbride, Ferryland and Port au Port to participate in this democratic process and to vote on February 8.”

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

2007 01 17                                   4:30 p.m.