The Liberal government is planning to make changes to its referendum legislation as the debate over the bill continues in the legislature.
In an interview with The Guardian, Justice Minister Jordan Brown said government has been listening to the debate in the legislature, it is listening to Islanders and it has had a chance to see developments in a referendum British Columbia is planning.
“This is an effort to incorporate all those ideas to make the best legislation that we possibly can,” he said.
On Tuesday, Brown was back on the floor of the legislature for debate of the referendum legislation to continue, and he brought multiple amendments with him.
Under the original bill, the referendum period would start as soon as the legislation goes into effect.
Only registered referendum advertisers would be allowed access to provincial government funding during that time, and they wouldn’t be allowed to raise their own funds.
Individuals would be limited to $500 in advertising expenses under the original bill.
With the amendments, the referendum period would not be longer than eight months but could be shorter.
Cabinet would decide when the referendum period starts.
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The amendments tabled Tuesday also included changes to what are referred to as referendum advertisers.
Not-for-profit organizations can incur expenses before the referendum period if they meet certain guidelines, including having Island residents make up at least two-thirds of their membership.
During the referendum period, unregistered individuals can incur up to $1,000 in expenses.
Unregistered advertisers in groups can collectively spend up to $10,000 during the referendum period.
They can also collect contributions from the public, which is not allowed in the original bill, although there are donation limits.
“That was something we had heard people might feel is important to them,” Brown said.
Political parties, for-profit corporations and trade unions are not eligible to be referendum advertisers.
The amendments also removed wording dealing with the media that led Brown to address concerns last week about potential attempts to stifle the media.
Under the proposed changes, a referendum commissioner will be involved in education and information programs, including on the mixed member proportional system.
With its original legislation, the government faced criticism in and out of the legislature with complaints it was attempting to limit Islanders’ freedom of speech.
Brown said the goal of the legislation is to provide a level playing field for everyone.
“This is not about restrictions on freedom of speech,” he said.
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