NLIS 5
June 1, 2005
(Executive Council)
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. |