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BC Court of Appeal to rule on freedom of expression and the B.C. Election Act

BC Court of Appeal to rule on freedom of expression and the B.C. Election Act

Vancouver – On Thursday, October 4, 2012, the B.C. Court of Appeal will issue its ruling in the Reference re Amendments to the B.C. Election Act. The BCCLA is an intervener in this reference.

This reference pertains to amendments in the B.C. Election Act establishing new third-party spending limits prior to a provincial election. The amendments are intended by the government to address a previous ruling by the B.C. Court of Appeal finding that restrictions on third-party spending in the 60-day “pre-campaign period” violated free expression rights protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The BCCLA argued that the proposed amendments do little to cure the constitutional defect, and continue to impermissibly infringe on free expression.

The BCCLA is represented by Robert Holmes, Q.C., of Holmes & King.

What: B.C. Court of Appeal to release judgment in the Reference re Amendments to the B.C. Election Act.

When: BCCLA representatives will be available for comment after the reasons are issued on Thursday, October 4. (The reasons will be issued at 9:30 a.m.)

Where: B.C. Court of Appeal

Who: Lawyers for the BCCLA will be available for comment

CIVIL LIBERTIES CAN’T PROTECT THEMSELVES