B.C. revives election 'gag law'

The B.C. government is reviving its so-called "gag law" that would cap provincial election spending by lobby groups.

The ruling B.C. Liberals have introduced a revised version of the bill thatwas successfully challenged in courtbefore the 2009 provincial election.

The courts said the legislation went too far in capping spending before the campaign period and struck down sections of the bill.

Premier Christy Clark said the government has tried to respond to the court's concerns.

"The principle behind [the legislation] though is that when you have a fixed election date, and you have defined spending limits in a fixed election date, if you don't do something else to try and control third-party spending, you essentially render those spending limits within the campaign period meaningless," Clark said.

The new bill is less restrictive, limiting third-party spending for 40 days before the campaign rather than the 60 days featured in the previous bill.

But New Democrat MLA Leonard Krog said he expects the new bill will also be struck down.

"I suspect it's offensive to most British Columbians. We're highly suspicious."

Krog said he believes the Liberals are trying to help their own cause in the next election.