By-Election Call Necessary for District of Baie Verte 

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said today that to ensure compliance with the House of Assembly Act, a by-election is being called for the District of Baie Verte. 

Under the Williams Government, new legislation was put into effect that requires a by-election to be called within 60 days of a vacancy; furthermore, the by-election has to be held within 90 days of the vacancy.  The vacancy in the District of Baie Verte was created with the resignation of the former MHA, Paul Shelley, on July 12, 2007. 

The House of Assembly Act also includes the fixed election date of October 9, 2007, with the writ to be issued by September 17, 2007.  Once the writ is issued for the provincial general election, the by-election will no longer be in effect.  Additionally, when the provincial general election is called, the new electoral boundaries will come into effect, including the new electoral district of Baie Verte-Springdale. 

�The requirement to call the by-election for Baie Verte at this time is to simply ensure we are in compliance with the House of Assembly Act,� said Premier Williams.  �Our government took action on instituting fixed election dates and reducing the timelines required to call a by-election.  While everyone is aware the writ for the provincial general election has to be dropped within the coming week, it is also important that we follow the rules and guidelines that are in place under the Act.� 

-30-

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

2007 09 10                                                   4:20 p.m.