Concerns regarding the new Local Elections Campaign Financing Act of BC
Published on 2014–09–29
Sent to the Lasqueti Mailing List
Under the new Local Elections Campaign Financing Act of BC, during this upcoming election, many types of speech are now considered “Third party advertising”, and are prohibited acts unless you first register with the government.
The new rules are clearly explained in the below government publication:
Third Party Sponsor Guide to Local Elections in B.C. (PDF)
So, for example, starting tomorrow, posting the following statement in this mailing list (which is not considered a “bona fide” publication), would be illegal without first registering with the government, and could result in jail time:
“Vote against anyone who supports this appalling infringement on our rights to free speech!”.
This statement, posted here on the Lasqueti mailing list, is now considered “Issue advertising”, and is covered under this new law.
Other forms of speech that are now prohibited (unless you first register) include:
From page 8 — “Signs, billboards, posters, mailing inserts, bumper stickers, branded clothing, branded objects, displays, exhibitions and public address announcements”
From page 9 — “Newsletters, brochures, emails or other advertising media which are sent to the public”
“Internet websites of organizations or commercial blogs, which are created, used or modified in relation to an election”
“Social media posts (e g , Facebook group pages), Internet videos (e g , YouTube) and webcasts (e g , podcasts, Internet radio, video streams)”
So, watch what you say, e-mail or post online, or else you could be committing a crime!
Additional details on the degree to which this is oppressive (and I believe in violation of our charter of rights and freedoms) are covered in the below article in the Tyee, and in two publications by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives:
The Tyee — Register to Criticize Your Mayor and Council?
David and Laura Slik
Lasqueti Island
