A timeline for the upcoming by-election for the Battlefords-Lloydminster seat in the House of Commons has been released.
Tuesday, the Speaker received official notice that MP Gerry Ritz is retiring. The Prime Minister must announce a date for the by-election between October 14, 2017, and April 1, 2018; when it is announced it starts the by-election period.
The by-election periods must last at least 36 days and must be held on a Monday. The earliest date a by-election can be held is Monday, November 20. There is not a maximum length of time for a by-election period.
Ritz announced he was retiring at the end of August, he has held the seat for the past 20 years.