Routley ready for a snap election call

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The valley’s north-end MLA says he is prepared to run again if a provincial election is called.

While the next scheduled election is legally slated for May 2013, it is expected Liberal Premier Christy Clark will call an election as early as Sept. 6 to build her own mandate, if she wins the job back.

If an election is called, voters could head to the polls in early October.

Issues that could determine the timing of an election include the result of the HST referendum and whether an agreement with the teachers’ union and other unions currently at the bargaining table can be reached.

“We’re preparing for [an election] to be sure we’re ready for anything from September on,” said Doug Routley.  “The premier’s record in dealing with teachers is pretty sketchy and I’m not sure they’re interested in having a conflict like that during a campaign, so there are a few factors that affect timing.”

Routley said he is disappointed legislation requiring fixed election dates can be so easily discarded.

“(The legislation) was supposed to do away with manipulation by the sitting government and that they would set elections on a set schedule rather than tailoring it to their own interests,” said Routley.