Of the 16 by-elections since 2003, the provincial Conservatives have set a mere 22 days for campaigns in all but three. The minimum required under provincial election laws is 21 days.
In two of those, the campaigns lasted 23 days and in one the campaign was 24 days.
The current campaign in Humber West fits the pattern to a tee.
The Conservatives have also been super-speedy in calling by-elections. In three – Exploits, Port au Port and Humber Valley – the writ for the by-election came the same day the incumbent vacated the seat.
But at 52 days after being vacant, Humber West is the third longest time the Tories have taken to call a by-election They took 61 days to call Cape St. Francis, 60 days to call Baie Verte,
The maximum time to call a by-election under election laws is 60 days.
The others range between three days for the Straits-White Bay North to 48 days for Placentia- St. Mary’s.
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