HALIFAX -- The Nova Scotia government tabled legislation Monday to overhaul the province's elections rules in a bid to bring them in line with those of other provinces.
The proposed changes include new, fixed spending limits for parties and candidates, and limiting provincial campaigns to a maximum of 46 days.
The average general election in Nova Scotia lasts about 31 to 36 days, said Justice Department spokeswoman Chrissy Matheson.
The decision to cap elections at 46 days follows a recommendation from the Nova Scotia Election Commission, which added the extra days to accommodate statutory and religious holidays.
The government says the new limit is aimed at saving taxpayers' money. For every week a general election campaign extends beyond 31 days, the cost jumps by $750,000.
Justice Minister Diana Whalen issued a statement saying the Elections Act will be changed to ban advertising within 60 metres of polling stations, and the law will soon allow candidates to vote in the district where they reside or are running.
Other changes include requiring all new parties to get signatures from at least 25 electors in each of 10 different electoral districts.
As well, all parties would be required to submit unused tax receipts to the CEO of Elections Nova Scotia within 30 days of election day.
"These proposed legislative changes will improve administration and strengthen our act and practices," Whalen said in the statement.
Elections Commission chairman Vince MacLean said he was pleased with the proposals, saying the new time limit on campaigns will " improve fairness and decrease any abuse of the act."
