Draft referendum rules would allow for May vote

The New Brunswick government is putting in place regulations that would allow for a province-wide referendum to be held at the same time as May's municipal elections.

The draft regulationswere posted on the provincial governments public consultation website on Wednesday.

The regulations follow Premier David Alwards introduction of a permanent referendum law last year, which was a commitment he made during the 2010 election campaign.

The provinces Elections Act would govern a referendum heldduring a general election.

The proposed regulations, which are now open for 30 days of public feedback, would kick in if a referendum question needs to be added to the ballot during the upcoming local elections.

Municipalities, regional health authorities and district education councils are having elections on May 14.

The draft regulations set the rules for spending and donation disclosure during a referendum campaign.

Any groups seeking to spend more than $500 to advertise during a referendum campaign must register with Elections New Brunswick. The draft regulations also outline the criteria thatgroupsmust meet to be allowed to advertise.

As well, the draft regulations clarify what donations must be disclosed.

No referendum planned

There are no plans to hold a province-wide referendum at this point.

Opponents to the shale gas industry have lobbied for a referendum on the industrys future, but the Alward government has repeatedly dismissed those calls.

The provinces Taxpayer Protection Act requires a referendum on any new taxes or tolls.

Only the provincial government can initiate a referendum under the provinces law. A question would need to come from the government and be debated in the legislature.

When that process was finished, a legislative committee would be appointed to seek public input on the referendum question.

Referendums that are tied to provincial or municipal elections would add very few costs, according to the provincial government.

However, if the referendum were held on its own, it is estimated the cost would be more than $5 million in order to pay for polling stations, workers and other election-related materials.