FREDERICTON – There will be no by-election for the riding of Campbellton-Dalhousie announced Premier Brian Gallant today.

“Your government is committed to growing the economy, strengthening education and improving health care for all New Brunswickers, including those in the riding of Campbellton-Dalhousie,” said Gallant. “Holding a by-election this close to a general election does not make economic sense for taxpayers nor would it provide the winning candidate much, if any, time in the legislature prior to the next provincial election.”

The government will take the following actions to ensure the concerns and ideas of the people of Campbellton-Dalhousie will be heard:

• Gilles LePage, MLA for Restigouche West, and Daniel Guitard, MLA for Restigouche-Chaleur will ensure total office time of one day per week so that the people of Campbellton-Dalhousie can have their concerns addressed by an MLA;
• The government cabinet and caucus will be meeting in Campbellton-Dalhousie. Cabinet members will also meet with groups and community leaders;
• New Brunswick Liberal Association will set up an office in Campbellton-Dalhousie soon to meet with constituents.

In order to avoid the estimated $160,000 cost of a by-election that would return an MLA who might sit in the legislature for no more than three weeks and as little as one or two days, the provincial cabinet will at its next meeting direct the chief electoral officer to issue a writ of election of Campbellton-Dalhousie on Thursday, August 23, the same day that writs will be issued for all ridings in the calling of the scheduled general election to be held on September 24.

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