Québec City, August 30, 2001 –– Within the context of the by-elections that will be held on October 1, 2001 in the electoral divisions of Blainville, Jonquière, Labelle and Laviolette, Mr. Marcel Blanchet, Chief Electoral Officer of Québec, would like to recall some of the provisions of the Election Act regarding advertising during the election period.

First, it should be noted that under section 429, no person may, between August 30th and September 5th inclusively, broadcast or cause to be broadcast by a radio or television station or by a cable distribution enterprise, publish or cause to be published in a newspaper or other periodical, or post or cause to be posted in a space leased for advertising purposes, publicity relating to these by-elections.

On polling day, the broadcast of publicity relating to the election by a radio or television station or by a cable distribution enterprise as well as the publication of advertisements in a newspaper or other periodical are also prohibited.

Moreover, Mr. Blanchet reiterates that during the election period, which begins on the day following the issue of the writ and ends when polling stations close on polling day, the official agent of a candidate is the only person who may incur or authorize expenses to promote or oppose, directly or indirectly, the election of a candidate.

Consequently, all other unauthorized persons, including legal entities (associations, companies and unions) are prohibited from incurring election expenses during this period.