DEMOCRATIC REFORM PACKAGE INTRODUCED

New bills will lead to senate elections, restrictions on government advertising before elections

Justice Minister Don Morgan today introduced two new bills to restrict government advertising prior to a provincial election, and to elect Saskatchewan's nominees to the federal Senate.

Provincial government advertising will be prohibited in the month leading up to an election campaign. In addition, government will not be able to increase the amount of spending on advertising in the four months leading up to an election. Any advertising during these four months could be used only to inform the public about programs and services for the public benefit.

"Taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund political campaigns," Morgan said. "With these changes to The Election Act, we are keeping our campaign promise to restrict government advertising in the period leading up to a provincial election campaign to ensure fairness in the democratic process."

The previous Election Act only prohibited advertising during the writ period, which was approximately 30 days before election day.

These prohibitions do not preclude advertising for emergency or compelling public safety information, or competitive advertising by Crown Corporations.

The Government also made another move to improve democracy today by introducing The Senate Nominee Election Act. This legislation will allow Saskatchewan voters to elect Senate nominees, and the names of successful candidates would be referred to the Privy Council in Ottawa for consideration for subsequent appointment.

"Our Government is taking this step so that Saskatchewan's Senators can be chosen democratically, by the voters of the province," Morgan said. "Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made a commitment to appoint democratically-elected Senators and a Saskatchewan Senate election will provide opportunity."

A Senate nominee election could be held in conjunction with a provincial or federal general election. The number of nominees to be elected in a given election would be set by Order in Council depending on existing Senate vacancies or pending vacancies.

The results of a Senate nominee election would determine the candidates and the order in which they would be recommended for appointment. The order of the recommended candidates would be based on the number of votes received by each candidate.

Alberta is currently the only jurisdiction in Canada with Senate nominee election legislation.

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For more information, contact:

Laur'Lei Silzer
Justice and Attorney General
Regina, Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: laurlei.silzer@gov.sk.ca