Huron—Bruce (formerly known as Huron and Huron—Middlesex) is a provincial riding in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1987. It was known as Huron from 1987 to 1999.
On March 22, 1940, the Liberal member, Charles Robertson, died while in office. Premier Mitchell Hepburn (and later, Daniel Conant) refused to call a by-election for three years citing wartime considerations. He said the electorate was "sick and tired of elections."[1]CCF leader Ted Jolliffe opposed Hepburn's choice and took the government to court over the delayed by-election. The Ontario Court of Appeal sided with the government on the issue. Jolliffe said that he would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court but no further action was taken before the 1943 election was called.[2]
^Robertson died on March 22, 1940. The riding remained vacant until the 1943 election. Premier Hepburn refused to call a by-election citing wartime considerations despite legal challenges by opposition parties.
Citations[]
^"Hepburn Firm, Will Not Call By-elections: Says Government Not to Be Represented at Osgoode Hall Hearing". The Globe and Mail. May 21, 1942. p. 4.
^"By Elections Action Asked". The Globe and Mail. November 3, 1942. p. 4.