Cost of another provincial election is worth it: taxpayer watchdog

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VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – Later today BC NDP Leader John Horgan is expected to introduce a motion in the Legislature that could topple the BC Liberals’ minority government, just under seven weeks since British Columbians went to the polls. That likely means another election sooner than later.

“We never know how long this is going to last. Whether we have a summer election or whether the election is next year or two years from now, we’re likely to have an election before the four-year cycle is over,” explains Scott Hennig with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Running an election cost millions of dollars and it begs the question: is it worth the considerable expense? “Elections are always worthwhile. And that’s not to say that you should have constant elections. But you can’t not have elections because of the cost. That can’t be the reason,” says Hennig.

That goes beyond provincial elections. “Same with recall votes and other matters of democratic necessity like referendums. Those things always cost money but they’re virtually always a good use of taxpayer money,” says Hennig, cautioning he’s not advocating for a return to the polls.

“That’s not to say they should have an election right away but if they decide to do so, it shouldn’t be based on cost.”

The May 9th election will go down in the history books.

The BC Liberals finished one seat short of a majority, with 43 seats in the 87-seat Legislature. The NDP tallied 41 seats and the Greens had three — a historic achievement for the party. Shortly after the results trickled in, the NDP and Greens struck a coalition.

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