Rossland by-election postponed
By Contributor
By-elections that were scheduled for Rossland, Lytton and Victoria have been postponed indefinitely.
Here’s the press release from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
To protect residents from the current threat of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has deferred by-elections in Victoria, Rossland and Lytton, and a referendum in Kamloops. This action, requested by both public health officials and local government members, will help ensure residents are not required to gather in polling stations and will free up local government resources to focus on dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
“I know that local governments are working hard to keep their communities safe and protected during this pandemic,” Robinson said. “Our government is working closely with our partners to help marshal all resources to protect those most vulnerable and ͚flattening the curve of the spread of COVID-19. After consulting with our public health officials and local governments, I have signed a ministerial order postponing by-elections and referendums in these communities so they can focus on protecting their residents.”
In 2020, Victoria and Rossland had by-elections set for April 4, and Lytton had a by-election set for April 25. Kamloops had a referendum scheduled for April 4, 2020. Decisions to reschedule the by-elections and referendum will be made by local governments in conjunction with public health officials and Elections BC. Meanwhile, the ministry will continue to work with local governments that are considering by-elections or referendums to ensure plans take into consideration the need to protect community residents during this emergency situation.
