Tuesday May 27, 2003

May 27, 2003‘This was the year in which it seemed the province waited – and waited – for an election to be called. The SARS outbreak was the first reason for the Tories to delay an election; by August the great blackout did it again. By October, the delays had taken their toll on the government and voters went for change.’ - Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 27, 2003

Election Switched to ‘Off’ Position

Graeme’s Gallery 2003

With the window for a spring election rapidly closing, Premier Ernie Eves has apparently put election plans on hold because of the latest SARS outbreak, a move observers suggest is designed to shield the Conservative government from being dubbed insensitive in a crisis.

Eves strongly hinted on the weekend the new SARS scare in Toronto will cause him to delay a vote that had been widely expected at any time.

Elections in Ontario must be held on a Thursday and June 26 is thought to be the last day a vote could be held before summer. That would mean an election call within days.

It’s almost unheard of to hold an election in July or August, so if a vote is not called, the next window would appear to be the fall. (CP)