Bill 51 2004

An Act to amend the
Election Act to provide for
elections on fixed dates commencing
October 4, 2007

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

1.  The Election Act is amended by adding the following section:

Fixed dates

9.1  (1)  There shall be a poll taken for a general election,

(a) on October 4, 2007; and

(b) on the first Thursday in October in every fourth year thereafter, unless that Thursday is a holiday as defined by the Interpretation Act or is declared to be a holiday by law and in that case the day fixed for the poll shall be Friday of the same week.

Responsibility of Premier

(2)  It is the responsibility of the Premier of Ontario to advise the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve the Legislature in sufficient time to permit the taking of the poll as provided in subsection (1).

General elections at other times

(3)  A poll for a general election may not be taken at any other time except in a case where a majority of members of the Legislative Assembly, including a majority of the members who do not belong to the party from which the Government is chosen, have demonstrated a lack of confidence in the Government.

Commencement

2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3.  The short title of this Act is the Fixed Dates for Elections Act (October 4, 2007 Commencement), 2004.

______________

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill provides for fixed dates for general elections every four years, starting in 2007. General elections may also be held at other times, in the case of a vote of non-confidence.