VICTORIA -- New Democrat leader Carole James called on Premier Gordon Campbell to give a clear directive to his MLAs to undertake next steps in the HST initiative and stop delaying an important democratic process.Carole James

James' call comes after acting Chief Electoral Officer Craig James confirmed that the HST petition and the attached bill will be forwarded to the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives on Monday, Aug. 23 for further action.

"Judge Bauman's ruling on Friday cleared the way for the B.C. Liberals to take next steps. And Elections B.C. has confirmed the bill will be forwarded to the legislature on Monday," said James. "My team is ready to get down to work immediately. Now it's the Premier's turn to provide a clear directive to his MLAs on the committee to act as soon as the bill is delivered on Monday."

"The Premier has said the success of the HST petition is a victory for democracy," James said. "What would be a victory for democracy is if the B.C. Liberals called the Legislature back. What would be a victory for democracy is if the B.C. Liberals respected the will of 700,000 British Columbians who signed the petition."

James added it's unacceptable that since Judge Bauman's ruling, the Premier and many of his key cabinet ministers have refused to respond to calls for further action. She urged them to let the public know where they stand.

After the validation of the HST petition by Elections B.C. earlier this month, James wrote to the Premier calling on him to bring back the legislature and hold a free vote on the HST initiative bill.

Carole James

Victoria-Beacon Hill

Carole has served as the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill since 2005.