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.