(February 16, 2021) – PC Leader Ches Crosbie today announced his Party has formally requested a meeting with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Bruce Chaulk through the Advisory Committee provided under
the Elections Act, 1991.

“Now is the time for collaboration to find solutions to the issues presented with the election in its current form. I want to work with fellow Party Leaders and Mr. Chaulk to ensure the democratic right to vote is upheld. Mr. Furey and the Liberals have so far ignored and obstructed our efforts to work towards solutions to defend our democracy,” said Crosbie.

Part Four of the Elections Act provides for an Advisory Committee made up of the CEO and two representatives from the Liberal Party and PC Party. Today, PC committee representatives Ross Wiseman and Megan Drodge submitted a letter calling for a meeting to discuss concerns over the 2021 election, in an effort to ensure everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador gets equitable access to voting in the election.

“Mr. Chaulk has so far refused calls from our Party, the New Democratic Party, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance to discuss concerns over the election. The Advisory Committee exists as a specific place for such matters to be discussed. Mr. Chaulk is obliged by the legislation to listen to the request and host the meeting,” said Crosbie.

The legislation states that one-third of committee members can write the CEO and call the meeting to discuss concerns with the CEO. The PC appointees of the committee constitute 40 percent of the membership, meaning that, by law, the meeting must now take place.

The PC team has heard countless stories from seniors, from people in rural parts of the province without reliable internet, and from indigenous populations about concerns over their ability to access democracy, says Crosbie.

“Everyone deserves equal opportunity to vote in this critical election. The current rules for special ballots as they stand do not grant equal access to all. We have a duty to act on behalf of democracy to ensure maximum access to a ballot. Mr. Chaulk must meet with our Party’s representatives to discuss these urgent matters,” said Crosbie.

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Communications

(p) (709) 769-2216

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LETTER TO CHAULK - ADVISORY COMMITTEE
COPY OF EMAIL FROM CHAULK
FINAL LETTER TO CHAULK