(transcribed for web posting from the faxed original)

April 19, 2001

David D. Schreck
145 East Windsor Road
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7N 1J9

Dear Dr. Schreck:

I confirm receipt of your letter of April 18, 2001 in which you request a written retraction of Ms Western's electronic message to you of April 17, 2001. That message informed you that the content of your website, http://www.StrategicThoughts.com, will be deemed to constitute election advertising if it is maintained in its present format during the upcoming election period. It further informed you of the need to register as an election advertising sponsor under the Election Act and to take certain steps to identify your sponsorship in any election advertising you do sponsor.

The content of Ms Western's message is in accordance with the usual form of notice sent by my Office to potential election advertising sponsors. The manner of expression is neutral and in conformity with the requirements of the Election Act. I do not agree that the message could be considered either "unfortunate" or "harassing".

I do accept your comments regarding some of the information contained in the web site. Your resume, for example, would not, by itself, constitute election advertising. However, portions of the site promote or oppose, directly or indirectly, the election of a candidate or a registered political party, within the meaning of section 228 of the Election Act. You are, therefore, sponsoring election advertising.

Elections BC has consistently identified the Internet as a medium through which election advertising may be published or disseminated. The content of the home page of your site can be compared to an electronic pamphlet. The breath of the available audience underscores the impact of the material contained on the site and the need to maintain the accountability of sponsors who use the Internet, under the scheme of the Election Act.

The amount of money spent by a sponsor is irrelevant to the issue of who must register as a sponsor of election advertising. At the same time, under section 244, the Election Act recognizes that those who spend nominal amounts do not need to an election advertising disclosure report with the Chief Electoral Officer.

I am satisfied that Ms Western's e-mail was in accordance with the requirements of the Election Act. Further, I agree with her that portions of your website go beyond the expression of political opinion and, instead, both promote the election of the New Democratic Party of B.C., and oppose the election of the British Columbia Liberal Party and its leader, Mr. Campbell.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Yours very truly,

Robert A. Patterson
Chief Electoral Officer

RAP/LMJ/ls