Prince George, B.C. – The discussion paper on planned changes to B.C.’s local elections legislation  is now ready for your review and your thoughts.

The proposed changes include:

 

* All sponsorship contributions and value of third-party advertising must be disclosed and significant contributors providing $100 or more to an election must be identified.

* Candidates and elector organizations election advertising must have sponsorship identification, authorization statement and contact details.

* Candidates and elector organizations must record campaign period expenses.

* Third-party advertising sponsors must register with Elections BC before sponsoring any election advertising- including campaign finance rules

 

The proposed new regulations incorporate most of the recommendations proposed by the joint provincial-UBCM Local Government Elections Task Force and it is the first time local election campaign rules will be in a separate, standalone act which, if passed, will take effect November 2014.

 

"With changes coming, local governments are looking for clarification on the direction of elections legislation. The Province’s white paper provides local leaders with an opportunity to see how the recommendations may be implemented prior to the 2014 election and provide feedback" says UBCM President Mary Sjostrom.

 

Interested parties have until Oct. 23 (six weeks) to submit their comments. Then in November, a separate stakeholder engagement process on expense limits will start as the move is made toward further legislative changes slated for 2017 local elections.

 

The white paper is available here.