Fredericton — Brian Gallant and his fiancée Karine Lavoie have set a wedding date, and it just so happens that it’s the same day as the next provincial election: Sept. 24, 2018. The premier has generously invited all New Brunswickers to attend, so long as they vote Liberal as part of a wedding gift to the newly married couple.
The venue has not been disclosed, but there will be voting stations set up in the lobby area, so guests can cast their ballot before the couple says “I do.”
The New Brunswick Liberal website already posted a link where visitors can “congratulate Brian Gallant on his engagement” — and the form doesn’t work without a valid email address.
“We just want people’s emails so we know where to send out invites and RSVP cards,” said Liberal Party president and wedding planner Joel Reed. “Guests will simply need to reply with whether or not they can attend, as well as a full credit check, a criminal record check, home and cellphone numbers, three work references, their income bracket, age and gender, proof that they’re of voting age, any bank PINs and their mother’s maiden name, their SIN — typical wedding stuff.”
Guests will also be fingerprinted upon entering the reception after they submit three pieces of government-issued ID, and will have front and side profile photos taken by a staff photographer supplied by the Fredericton Police. “We just think that’ll be a fun, unique touch,” said Gallant with a giggle. “And as far as gifts, please just bring yourselves. If you insist on getting us a present, please make a donation to the Liberal Party in honour of Blaze.”
The Manatee found the premier’s wedding registry online, and discovered that the only gift options are donations to the Liberals in the amounts of $100, $500, $1,000 or $5,000. The site claims that each gift will get the attendee a free roast chicken dinner and glass of house wine, as well as one drink ticket. Guests will even get to take home a souvenir of the special day: an “I Voted Brian” button or bumper sticker.
“Karine and I brainstormed a wedding hashtag too,” said Gallant. “We settled on #voteforbrian. Guests can tweet that hashtag with photos of themselves at the wedding, us dancing, just whatever. It’ll be cute.”
Blaze refused to comment for this story, but a source within the Liberal Party said he couldn’t be more “paws-itively thrilled” to be the ring bearer.