Atlantic Canada Update: New Brunswick Votes for Change

Liberals win majority government in NB; PCs lose chance to govern for third straight term.

Last night, New Brunswick overwhelmingly voted for change in their provincial elections. Following a month-long campaign that was expected to be close, the Liberals, led by Susan Holt, secured a majority government. With this victory, Holt will become New Brunswick’s first female Premier.

The election was quick to call last night, with the Liberals winning 31 of the 49 seats in New Brunswick’s legislature, Blaine Higgs’ PCs taking 16 seats and the Green Party winning two seats.

The campaign was marked by two very different approaches from the incumbent PCs and the Liberals.

The PCs led a largely under-the-radar campaign, primarily advocating for cost-of-living relief via a tax cut to the HST. Many of the PCs’ other commitments, including scope of practice expansion for health professionals, were already being explored under the Higgs government. In comparison, the Liberals had a comprehensive platform focused on improving healthcare, housing and seniors supports.

The unusual spotlight on New Brunswick was focused on several factors - notably the polarizing nature of the Higgs government. This includes a growing socially conservative wing of the PCs under Premier Higgs and a growing rift within the PC caucus, which lost several key cabinet ministers following public rifts within the party – including due to the PCs’ divisive Policy 713.

Eyes were also on the Liberals, and whether their popularity would be impacted by the low poll numbers for Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberals.

What’s next?

Given her win, we can expect to see an increased national profile of Premier Designate Holt, especially given the federal Liberals’ polling woes.

We also expect to see the PCs undergo a renewal process, given that Higgs is expected to step down after losing his own Quispamsis seat.

Election chatter grows in Nova Scotia

In neighboring Nova Scotia, there is growing chatter that Premier Tim Houston will? call an early election as early as this weekend. This comes as no surprise – the Houston-led PCs are consistently leading in the polls, and were even the beneficiary of a surprising floor crossing this week, as Liberal MLA and Caucus Chair Liberal Caucus Chair Fred Tilley? confirmed that he would be joining the government.

It is expected that a Houston government would seek to be re-elected based on their ongoing work to improve healthcare access across the province, as well as the province’s growing economy.

The potential provincial election call could come just days after Nova Scotia’s municipal elections, which notably saw former federal Liberal MP Andy Filmore elected as Mayor of Halifax.

Our Atlantic team will continue to monitor for election updates in the province.

For more information or inquires about Atlantic Canada please contact Darrell Dexter, Vice Chair at [email protected] , or visit our website at www.globalpublicaffairs.ca .