(February 15, 2021) – Today, PC Leader Ches Crosbie called on Liberal Premier Andrew Furey to show leadership and stop obstructing the Advisory Committee on the political process from meeting to advise Chief Electoral Officer Bruce Chaulk.

“Premier Furey is obstructing the Advisory Committee from meeting to do the work the Elections Act intends it should do, and Mr. Chaulk is acting like he is taking instructions from the Liberals,” Crosbie said.

“In a time of crisis, leadership requires working with others, not dividing people and obstructing the law for partisan advantage.”

Crosbie says there is an existing provision in the Elections Act to allow political parties to meet directly with the CEO and advise on political matters. He says there is nothing unusual about asking for this meeting. Crosbie notes that the Liberals are obstructing the legislated process by refusing to join the call for a meeting.

According to s.332 of the Elections Act, 1991, a committee of the Chief Electoral Officer and two representatives of each political party with candidates in 50 percent of districts in the previous election can meet to discuss “political process.” Crosbie says there is no greater moment that calls for the meeting of the committee than the one before the province.

“If ever there was a time when the CEO needs help, this is it”, said Crosbie,

“Instead, Chaulk has created the appearance that he is refusing to seek help because the Liberals told him not to.”

Crosbie says he would move to grant access to the New Democratic Party and the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance to the committee meeting, as they currently would not qualify for a seat at the table under existing legislation.

“Now is the time to get all the players at the table to sort out solutions to allow everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador to exercise their democratic right to vote,” said Crosbie.

Contacts:
David Maher
Director of Communications
(p) (709) 769-2216

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