Top court rejects group’s attempt to stop B.C. referendum as campaign underway

VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s top court has dismissed an application by a group trying to halt the province’s referendum on electoral reform.

The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association asked for leave to appeal a lower-court decision that in August denied an interim injunction after allegations the B.C. government undertook a rushed process for fundamental changes to the democratic system.

B.C. Appeal Court Justice Gregory Fitch says there was no merit to the association’s argument that disputed the lower court’s ruling.

The lobby group representing over 2,000 companies wanted a suspension of a cabinet order-in-council on the referendum and an order prohibiting the counting of ballots while it challenges the referendum process in court.