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Coalition of unions challenging B.C. election spending law

Prevents groups from communicating their positions for three months prior to an election

 

Victoria (25 July 2008) - A coalition of B.C. unions is challenging Bill 42, the Campbell government's controversial law restricting third party election advertising for three months prior to a provincial election. The next B.C. vote is scheduled for May 12, 2009.

Spending limits take effect next February. The coalition is hoping to have the matter resolved before that time.

A statement of claim filed on behalf of seven unions argues that the law violates constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression by preventing groups from communicating their positions on issues before and during a campaign.

The challenge is being lodged on behalf of B.C. division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the B.C. Teachers' Federation, Local 378 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, the of B.C. Nurses' Union, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE), the Federation of Post Secondary Educators and the Hospital Employees' Union.

When it was first introduced, Bill 42 was drafted to block third party election advertising for five months. It was subsequently amended but still more sweeping than any comparable laws in other parts of Canada – limiting third-party groups to $3,000 per riding or an overall maximum of $150,000 maximum during the restricted period.

"Democratic governments should protect and defend the rights of citizens, not trample them when it's politically expedient," says B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair. "Bill 42 is Gordon Campbell's attempt to silence critics and control the airwaves for months before the next election." NUPGE

More information:

Gordon Campbell wants you to just shut up