Court strikes down parts of election ad gag law

We could soon see a flurry of nasty political advertising leading up to May's provincial election.

On Friday, the B.C. Supreme Court struck down parts of the controversial election gag law that restricts pre-election advertising by third parties, saying it infringed on Canadians' charter rights to free speech.

Bill 42 was intended to limit third-party political advertising and spending in the 88 days leading up to Election Day.

The B.C. Teachers Federation challenged the law on constitutional grounds, saying the Liberals were trying to shut down their critics before the elections.

The Federation was given a partial victory Friday when the court ruled the section restricting spending in the run-up to the 28-day election was illegal.

"We were very pleased," said BCTF president Irene Lanzinger.

"Teachers in the province have a lot to say."

Also pleased is the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, who said the judge had no choice but to protect free speech.

"That's fundamental and for the government to start to manipulate that, that's bad," said Robert Holmes.

B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal says the government will fight back and the gag could be back in.

"I know the lawyers will be applying for a stay of proceedings so the effect of the judgment would be suspended."

British Columbians go to the polls on May 12th.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Jon Woodward