B.C. Premier calls 2 byelections for vacant Vancouver ridings

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbellhas called two byelectionsforOct. 29 in a pair of Lower Mainland ridings vacated by MLAs running in other elections.

The Vancouver-Burrard seat became vacant when Liberal MLA Lorne Mayencourt resigned in September to run for the Conservative party in the Oct. 14 federal election.

The Vancouver-Fairview seat became vacant whenMLA Gregor Robertsonresigned his NDP seat inJuly to run for mayor of Vancouver for the Vision Vancouver party in the coming November civic election.

The B.C. Liberal government has a13-seatmajority in the provincial legislature and the byelections aren't likely to make a significant difference in the balance of power.

A full provincial election is set for next May.