Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson is calling for changes to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) referendum to assure it takes place by the fall in the event of a postal strike.
Simpson tabled an amendment to the HST Referendum Act to mandate the vote is held no later than the original date of Sept. 24, 2011 imposed under the Initiative Act.
"I applaud the government accelerating a resolution to the HST debate by holding a referendum this June using a mail-in ballot,” Simpson says.
"However, the possibility of a postal strike may create issues and delays in holding this referendum in a timely fashion."
Meanwhile, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says Attorney General Barry Penner informed her there have been a number of discussions regarding how to handle a possible interruption in postal service.
She adds Penner confirmed in the event of a postal strike or another unexpected delay, acting Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Craig James has the authority to change the dates.
"Section 280 of the Election Act states the CEO has a number of powers, including 'to do things that are necessary because of an emergency, a mistake or extraordinary circumstances in relation to proceedings in relation to the referendum'."
Simpson notes the legislation the B.C. Liberals introduced to move the referendum date up to between June 13 and July 22 also cancels outright its obligation to hold an HST referendum this fall.
He adds the public and the business community need to have certainty that "this whole HST debacle" will be resolved by referendum no later than this September, regardless of a mail strike or some other interruption to the June mail-in vote.
Barnett says the act goes on to state the CEO may set a new date or extend time periods set in the election or referendum acts, as well as any other related direction the officer sees fit to make.
"If there is a strike, then [James] has the authority to do that."
Barnett adds she hopes there won't be a postal strike, but if that happens, she is confident James will deal with it in a "professional and expedient manner" for the people of British Columbia.
"He been given the power and authority to do it, and I have every belief that he will. He's a very honest person, and he's at arms length from government."
