The Power of the Legislature versus the Power of the People - this time they are in conflict.
Just for the record - I was not suggesting that by collecting names the government would have to place a referendum question. Nor did I say to collect names.
If you have that many people wanting the Inquiry Simon has called for - it becomes a political issue.
Further the House of Assembly rules the roost - they may amend or pass laws.
As it is now - the Premier nor the Opposition parties want the Inquiry - they are all involved - so the voters will stay home and Simon will not get his Inquiry - the people of the Province must demand one and ask for a question on the ballot.
3 comments:
You called for a referendum.
There is no such thing as a referendum in the Newfoundland elections act.
When you suggsted we should have one in the fall, you left out the part about having to call the House together to make changes to the legislation so that we could have a referendum.
You didn't seem to know about refendums when you made your call.
You are right - I did not research that before my call - I did not however suggest we collect names to force one - simply force the polticians by support.
Sounds like a question could be added to the ballot - and that's fine - if not binding - let the people speak and see what happens to a legislature that does not heed it.
In either case - you are debating me - I assure you I did not take - improperly - by accident or deliberately tax payer dollars.
Wrong, anonymous.
217. (1) Where it appears to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council that an expression of opinion of the electors is desirable on a matter of public concern, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council may direct that a plebiscite or referendum be held to obtain the expression of opinion.
(2) The provisions of this Part relating to the holding of elections and the provisions of Part III respecting election finances apply, with the necessary changes, to a plebiscite or referendum held under subsection (1) except to the extent that the Lieutenant-Governor in Council by order otherwise directs.
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