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MLA Recall Campaigns
This section examines the numerous recall campaigns that have been initiated by voters against Liberal MLAs. Specific topics include:
- The Seven MLA recall campaigns
- Overview of BC’s recall process
- Important links
Seven MLA Recall Campaigns
Since 2002, seven Liberal MLAs have been targeted in recall campaigns. One of the
first targeted was MLA Val Roddick of the riding of Delta-South in Vancouver. Roddick
came under criticism following large budget cuts to local hospitals. The recall application
was approved in November 2002, with a return date of January 2003 for the petition.
The petition was rejected by Elections BC for failing to meet the signature threshold.
The petition was about 1,900 names short of the 12,000 signatures required. Recall organizers
said they had collected more than 1,100 extra names, but election officials had eliminated
some 3,000 signatures through the verification process.
Six more Liberal MLAs have been targeted for recall campaigns. The list includes:
- Judith Reid of Nanaimo-Parksville
- Mike Hunter of Nanaimo
- Gillian Trumper of Alberni-Qualicum
- Blair Suffredine of Nelson-Creston
- Wendy McMahon of Columbia-Revelstoke
- Jeff Bray of Victoria-Beacon Hill
Ms. Reid is the Minister of Transportation Minister, while the other MLAs are backbenchers. The additional recall campaigns are in opposition of the provincial cuts to health care, education and social programs, and have been spurred on by the initial success of the Roddick recall campaign. There is some speculation that Premier Campbell himself may be targeted for a recall campaign. Premier Campbell publicly stated that he was unimpressed with the growing recall movement because it appears to be backed mainly by the NDP rather than a grassroots protest.
Overview of BC’s Recall Process
Under the 1994 Recall and Initiative Act, voters in British Columbia can petition to remove a Member of the Legislative Assembly between elections. BC is the only jurisdiction in Canada with such legislation.
The recall process has five stages:
Stage #1: Application Process
A registered voter who wants to start a recall petition must obtain an application from the Chief Electoral Officer. An applicant can only apply to recall the MLA for his/her electoral district.
A completed application consists of a fully completed and signed application form, a 200-word statement of why the MLA should be recalled, and a non-refundable $50 processing fee.
(2) Approval in Principle
If the application is complete and meets the requirements of the Recall and Initiative Act, the Chief Electoral Officer will approve the application, notify the relevant parties, and issue a recall petition to the applicant.
(3) Recall Petition Period
The applicant has 60 days to collect signatures from 40 percent of the voters who were registered to vote in the Member’s electoral district at the last election, and who are currently registered as voters in British Columbia.
(4) Petition Verification
When a petition is submitted, the Chief Electoral Officer has 42 days to verify the signatures.
(5) By-election
If the petition passes the verification process, the Member ceases to hold office and a by-election must be called within 90 days.
Important Links
Elections BC Recall Webpage
BC Liberal Recall Site