Newfoundland and Labrador are set for a provincial election on October 14, triggered by Liberal Leader John Hogan, who has been the province’s premier since May. Hogan, accompanied by his wife, Gill, and their dog, Rooney, visited Government House on Monday to request the dissolution of the House of Assembly from Lt.-Gov. Joan Marie Aylward. Expressing his excitement, Hogan stated that leading the Liberal party into the election was a proud moment for him.
Polling stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. NT on election day, with advance polls opening a week earlier. The deadline for candidate nominations is September 23 at 2 p.m. NT. The upcoming election will see Hogan’s Liberals competing to retain power against the Progressive Conservative Party led by Tony Wakeham and the New Democratic Party led by Jim Dinn, with each leader embarking on their first campaign as head of their party.
The current House of Assembly comprises 40 seats, with the Liberals holding 19, the PCs holding 14, and the NDP holding one seat. Independents hold two seats, while four seats are vacant. Both the Liberals and PCs have full candidate slates, with the NDP listing 18 candidates on their website.
Hogan aims to secure a majority government, emphasizing that his government is best suited to propel Newfoundland and Labrador forward. He highlighted the importance of the ongoing Churchill Falls negotiations and expressed his confidence in leading these discussions to a successful conclusion. The election call, made on the latest possible day allowed under fixed election date legislation, was to ensure transparency and adherence to the law.
Ahead of the election, parties have been announcing various commitments. Dinn and the NDP launched their campaign with promises of job creation, affordable housing, and addressing the issue of costly agency nurses. Wakeham pledged to invest in wildfire preparedness following a destructive wildfire season. The Liberals have been active in making funding announcements, including approving a $25 million repayable loan to Braya Renewables and extending agreements for electricity supply and internet access in rural areas.
The campaign season is in full swing, with all parties gearing up for a competitive election on October 14 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
