Tony Wakeham’s Progressive Conservatives have won a slim majority government in Newfoundland and Labrador, ending a decade of Liberal rule.
The victory marks the PCs’ first provincial win since 2011 following three consecutive Liberal victories.
In his victory speech, Wakeham said he would work hard for all people of the province, regardless of how they voted.
“I’m going to do everything I can to build a better, brighter future for all of us,” Wakeham said.
The premier-elect repeated some of his party’s election promises, including hiring more nurses for rural areas, increasing the provincial tax-free income level to $15,000, and permanently reducing the gas tax. He also said his government would increase public safety by hiring more police officers and joining national efforts to compel the federal government to toughen bail laws.
Wakeham addressed one of the key issues during the election, a proposed agreement on hydroelectricity generation at Churchill Falls between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec. The Liberals said the proposal would inject $225 billion into the province over the next 50 years.
The Tories heavily criticized the proposed multibillion-dollar energy deal with Quebec, saying the draft agreement wasn’t to the province’s advantage. Wakeham, a businessman and former CEO of Labrador-Grenfell Health Authority, said that if elected, his government would subject the tentative agreement to a review by an independent third party.
“We will build more, while ensuring that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are always the beneficiaries of our resources,” Wakeham said. “We will develop Churchill Falls. We will develop Gull Island. We will electrify Labrador. We will develop our resources with our workers for the benefit of our communities.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Wakeham on his party’s victory, while thanking Liberal Leader and incumbent Premier John Hogan for his service.
“Looking forward to working together to deliver more prosperity and opportunities for workers across your province — to build Canada strong,” Carney said in a social media post addressed to Wakeham.
“Thank you John Hogan for your dedicated service as Premier, and for all of the ways your leadership and partnership have contributed to building a stronger economy for Newfoundland & Labrador families.”
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also congratulated Wakeham on his election win.
“Big news from The Rock!” Poilievre wrote on social media. “Can’t wait to work with you to boost take-home pay, cut inflation and taxes, unlock oil output, protect firearms owners, and lock-up criminals for a safe, affordable life for everyone on The Rock,” he added, addressing Wakeham.
With the PCs forming the next government in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick is now the only province in Canada governed by a Liberal party.
Campaign
The three party leaders, Wakeham, Hogan, and the NDP’s Jim Dinn, all won their own seats.
Throughout the campaign, besides criticizing the hydroelectricity deal, the PCs focused on health care, housing, cost-of-living issues, as well as public safety, emphasizing that it was time for change after three terms of Liberal government.
The Liberals also focused on cost-of-living issues and health-care, while touting the proposed Churchill Falls hydroelectricity agreement and how it would benefit the province, with leader Hogan calling it “the election issue.”
Hogan became Liberal leader and premier in May, succeeding Andrew Furey, who announced he was leaving politics to return to his career as an orthopedic trauma surgeon.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
