The Province has now received direction from the B.C. Court of Appeal about the next steps for the reference regarding the proposed Election Act amendments.

As a result of this direction, individuals or organizations wishing to participate in the court proceedings may now indicate their interest. Letters have been sent directly to those who have been identified by government's legal counsel as potentially having an interest in the hearing.

From today until June 4, 2012, other interested persons can visit the Ministry of Justice website - www.gov.bc.ca/justice - for details on how to apply to become involved.

In referring the amendments to the B.C. Court of Appeal, the B.C. government is seeking the court's opinion on the constitutional validity of the proposed changes to the law. Specifically, the question being referred to the court is whether the proposed amendments regarding limits on third-party election advertising successfully address concerns about the potential impact on freedom of expression under Section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4962
250 889-5945 (cell)