Elections Nova Scotia Publishes an Interpretation Circular on Section 307 of the Elections Act
Elections Nova Scotia Publishes an Interpretation Circular on Section 307 of the Elections Act
Media Release: July 8, 2024
Elections Nova Scotia – On June 14, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dorothy Rice released the response to the judicial review findings by Justice Arnold regarding the CEO’s decision on election advertising by the Liberal candidate during the Preston by-election. Ms. Rice accepted the findings and stated that Elections Nova Scotia (ENS) would carefully review the ruling and apply it going forward.
After reviewing the findings, ENS has developed an Interpretation Circular of Section 307 of the Elections Act. The circular aligns with Justice Arnold’s findings. The purpose of the Circular is to provide clarity and transparency regarding offences and authority in Section 307. The circular indicates that when complaints are filed with ENS, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will be considered as the interpretation of Section 307 is reviewed.
“During a writ period, ENS receives complaints from voters, parties and candidates. Each complaint is assessed within very tight time constraints, and I make decisions based on facts presented and legislation. I keep the best interest of voters and other electoral stakeholders at heart. It is not my intention to have decisions negatively impact any electoral stakeholder and I regret that my decisions may have had such an impact during the Preston by-election. My team and I have now carefully considered the ruling and have published an Interpretation Circular to provide clarity going forward for all participants in an election,” says Dorothy Rice, CEO for the Province of Nova Scotia.
Please follow this link to view the Interpretation Circular for Section 307 of the Elections Act.
ENS, under the direction of the CEO, strives to maintain good working relationships with registered political parties and candidates and administer provincial elections professionally. All stakeholders in the election process have a responsibility to maintain a high level of integrity. ENS will continue to work in the best interest of voters and collaborate with electoral stakeholders to deliver fair elections with integrity and transparency.
Elections Nova Scotia is a non-partisan and independent agency responsible for conducting provincial elections.
Media Contact:
Naomi Shelton
Director, Policy and Communications
Elections Nova Scotia
902-424-3275
902-223-4871
naomi.shelton@novascotia.ca