Canadian Province Regulates Political Blogs

Bloggers in the Canadian Province of British Columbia who blog on an upcoming referendum on multi-member constituencies are being required to register with Elections BC, a Government initiated body which runs elections in the province.

Terminal City reports any party supporting one side or the other have to register under referendum regulations and that potentially after April 19, anyone posting their views on a blog on the outcome of the provincial election being held at the same time may have to register with Elections BC under the Election Act as well.

Failure to comply with the laws can result in a fine of up to $5000 CAD.