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Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick

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The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick is a centre-right conservative political party in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The party has its origins in the pre-Canadian confederation Conservative Party that opposed the granting of responsible government to the colony. It has historically followed the Red Tory tradition.[2] From the 2010s, the party underwent a shift to Blue Toryism after the election of Blaine Higgs as leader, who was premier from 2018 to 2024.

Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick
Parti progressiste-conservateur du Nouveau-Brunswick
Active provincial party
LeaderGlen Savoie (interim)
PresidentErika Hachey
Vice PresidentRoy Wiggins
Representative & Official AgentRobert Hatheway
Executive DirectorDoug Williams
Founded1867 (1867)
HeadquartersFredericton, New Brunswick
Youth wingPC Youth
Women's wingPC Women's Association
Membership (2016)7,400[1]
Ideology
Political positionCentre-right
ColoursBlue, red, and yellow
Seats in Legislature
16 / 49
Website
www.pcnb.ca

History

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Initially, Conservative supporters tended to be United Empire Loyalists and supporters of the business community. In the 1860s, the Conservative and Liberal parties split over the issue of Canadian confederation and were replaced by the Confederation Party and the Anti-Confederation Party. By 1870, the pro-Confederation party became generally known as the Liberal-Conservatives or just “Conservatives," and were aligned with the national Conservative Party of Sir John A. Macdonald.

The party was aligned with the historic federal Conservative party. When the federal party changed its name to the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 1942, the New Brunswick party did the same. The federal Progressive Conservative Party dissolved in 2003, to merge with the Canadian Alliance and a new Conservative Party of Canada was created. The provincial party has no formal link with the current federal Conservative Party, but several of its members and elected MLAs, including former premier Premier Lord, publicly endorsed the federal party and in some cases its candidates in the 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015 federal elections.

Following the change of government in 2006 provincial election, Bernard Lord resigned as leader on December 13, 2006, and as the member of Moncton East. On December 19, Jeannot Volpé, MLA for Madawaska les Lacs-Edmundston, was selected as interim leader. On October 18, 2008, David Alward, MLA for Carleton, was elected leader of the party at the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick Leadership Convention in Fredericton. Alward beat his only opponent, Robert MacLeod, by a margin of 2,269 votes to 1,760.

The Progressive Conservatives won a sweeping majority, with 42 of 55 seats in the 2010 provincial election. In doing so, PC party leader David Alward became the 32nd premier of New Brunswick.

In 2013, Saint John area MLA Dr. Jim Parrott, a retired heart surgeon and former head of the New Brunswick Heart Centre, was kicked out of the caucus after criticizing his government over health issues.

The controversial backbencher had spoken out about bilingualism and duality, and written a newspaper commentary about a lack of consultation with physicians. Before the 2014 election, he was allowed to return[3]

Alward's government was defeated after one term in the 2014 provincial election, after which Alward announced his resignation as party leader. On October 18, 2014, Bruce Fitch was selected as interim leader of the party and Leader of the Opposition of New Brunswick.[4]

2016–2023

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Quispamsis MLA Blaine Higgs was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party on October 22, 2016, defeating former Saint John Mayor Mel Norton, 1,563 to 1,169 on the third ballot.[5]

In the 2018 provincial election, Higgs and the PCs won the largest share of seats in the legislature, 22, compared to 21 for the governing Liberal Party of New Brunswick, which opted to attempt to remain in power as a minority government by presenting a Throne Speech in hopes of retaining the confidence of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick.[6][7]

On November 2, 2018, the Progressive Conservatives and the People's Alliance combined to defeat Premier Brian Gallant's Liberal minority government via a non-confidence vote in the legislature.[8]

Higgs was appointed premier on November 9, 2018. Higgs and the Progressive Conservatives were re-elected to a majority government in the 2020 provincial election held on September 14, 2020,

On March 30, 2022, Kris Austin and Michelle Conroy announced their departure from the People's Alliance of New Brunswick to join the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick.[9]

Internal division (2023–present)

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See also: Policy 713

Throughout 2023 and 2024, the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick saw itself at a crossroads, with multiple PCNB cabinet ministers and MLAs breaking ranks with the party, with some politicians citing a misalignment with their own views and that of the social conservatism the party being described as exhibiting.[10]

In April 2023, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, led by minister Bill Hogan and premier Higgs, placed Policy 713, an educational policy setting minimum requirements for public schools and districts in the province related to individuals identifying and perceived as LGBTQ, under review, later releasing a revised version in June 2023.[11] The situation led to widespread criticism and internal division within the PC-led government.[12] Shortly following the revision, long-standing cabinet ministers Dorothy Shephard and Trevor Holder.[13][14] Two additional cabinet ministers, Daniel Allain and Jeff Carr, expressed their “extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency” in a jointly signed letter following the revision.[15] On June 15, 2023, all four of these ministers voted with the opposition parties which favoured a Liberal motion opposing the policy revision and called for increased consultation on the policy,[16][15] leading to Higgs later dismissing both Allain and Carr from their respective cabinet positions, citing a breach of cabinet solidarity due to their support for the opposition motion on the policy.[17]

Throughout early 2024, multiple PC MLAs and/or cabinet ministers, such as Arlene Dunn, Mike Holland, Carr, Allain,[18][19] Shephard as well as Holder have all made announcements either resigning or opting out of running for re-election.[20] In April 2024, cabinet minister Gary Crossman, who previously announced that he would be retiring after his term,[21] also announced his resigning from the Legislative Assembly.[22]

The party was defeated by the Liberal's in the 2024 New Brunswick general election, with Higgs losing his own seat and regisning as leader.[23]

Ideology and electoral base

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The Tories have alternated power with the New Brunswick Liberal Association since Confederation. The party tends to hold a moderate Red Tory stance, being socially and fiscally centrist.[2]

For most of New Brunswick's history, the party had greater support among English speakers, while the Liberals were more popular among Acadians. However, initiatives by the governments of Richard Hatfield and Bernard Lord to include Acadians in the mainstream of New Brunswick life helped the party make inroads in Acadia. In fact, even though he was born in Quebec, former premier Bernard Lord is widely perceived to be an Acadian, due to his Francophone heritage and the fact that he was raised in Moncton where he attended French language schools and university.

Electoral performance

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Election Leader Votes % Seats +/– Position Status
1935 Leonard Tilley 40.2
5 / 48
   5   2nd Opposition
1939 Frederick Squires 45.0
19 / 48
   14   2nd Opposition
1944 Hugh Mackay 40.0
12 / 48
   7   2nd Opposition
1948 31.2
5 / 52
   7   2nd Opposition
1952 Hugh John Flemming 48.9
36 / 52
   31   1st Majority
1956 52.2
37 / 52
   1   1st Majority
1960 46.2
21 / 52
   16   2nd Opposition
1963 Cyril Sherwood 48.2
20 / 52
   1   2nd Opposition
1967 Charles Van Horne 47.1
26 / 58
   6   2nd Opposition
1970 Richard Hatfield 48.4
32 / 58
   6   1st Majority
1974 145,304 46.9
33 / 58
   1   1st Majority
1978 44.4
30 / 58
   3   1st Majority
1982 47.5
39 / 58
   9   1st Majority
1987 116,798 28.6
0 / 58
   39   2nd No seats
1991 Dennis Cochrane 85,210 20.7
3 / 58
   3   3rd Third party
1995 Bernard Valcourt 120,247 30.9
6 / 55
   3   2nd Opposition
1999 Bernard Lord 209,008 53.0
44 / 55
   38   1st Majority
2003 174,092 45.5
28 / 55
   16   1st Majority
2006 177,744 47.5
26 / 55
   2   2nd Opposition
2010 David Alward 181,397 48.8
42 / 55
   16   1st Majority
2014 128,848 34.6
21 / 49
   21   2nd Opposition
2018 Blaine Higgs 121,300 31.8
22 / 49
   1   1st Minority
2020 147,490 39.3
27 / 49
   5   1st Majority
2024 126,804 34.8
16 / 49
   9   2nd Opposition

Current members of the legislature

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Name[24] Electorate First Elected Notes[25]
Blaine Higgs Quispamsis 2010 Premier
President of the Executive Council
Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs
Richard Ames Carleton-York 2020 Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Kris Austin Fredericton-Grand Lake 2018 Minister of Public Safety
Kathy Bockus Saint Croix 2020 Minister responsible for Seniors
Bruce Fitch Riverview 2003 Health
Ted Flemming Rothesay 2012 Attorney General
Minister of Justice
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development
Jill Green Fredericton North 2020 Minister of Social Development
Minister responsible for New Brunswick Housing Corporation
Bill Hogan Carleton 2020 Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
Margaret Johnson Carleton-Victoria 2020 Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Glen Savoie Saint John East 2014 Minister of Local Government
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister responsible for the Francophonie
Réjean Savoie Miramichi Bay-Neguac 2022 Minister of Indigenous Affairs
Minister responsible for Regional Development Corporation
Tammy Scott-Wallace Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins 2020 Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
Ernie Steeves Moncton Northwest 2014 Minister of Finance and Treasury Board
Greg Turner Moncton South 2020 Minister of Post-secondary Education, Training and Labour
Minister responsible for Immigration
Minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business
Minister responsible for Opportunities New Brunswick
Mary Wilson Oromocto-Lincoln-Fredericton 2018 Minister of Service New Brunswick
Minister responsible for Military Affairs
Sherry Wilson Moncton Southwest 2010 Minister responsible for Women's Equality
Minister responsible for Addictions and Mental Health Services
Bill Oliver Kings Centre 2014 Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Daniel Allain Moncton East 2020
Andrea Anderson-Mason Fundy-The Isles-Saint John West 2018
Jeff Carr New Maryland-Sunbury 2014
Michelle Conroy Miramichi 2018
Ryan Cullins Fredericton-York 2020
Michael Dawson Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin 2022
Dorothy Shephard Saint John Lancaster 2010
Ross Wetmore Gagetown-Petitcodiac 2010

Party leaders

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See also: Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership elections

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Bissett, Kevin (October 22, 2016). "Higgs chosen as the new leader of New Brunswick Progressive Conservatives". CTV News. The Canadian Press. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Johnson, David (2011). Thinking Government: Public Administration and Politics in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. p. 79. ISBN 9781442603967.
  3. ^ "Dr. Jim Parrott rejoins Progressive Conservative caucus | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  4. ^ "New Brunswick Progressive Conservatives choose Bruce Fitch as interim leader". Toronto Star. Canadian Press. October 18, 2014.
  5. ^ "Blaine Higgs wins N.B. PC leadership race on 3rd ballot". CBC News. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  6. ^ Leeder, Jessica (September 26, 2018). "Alliances start to form in wake of N.B. election". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  7. ^ Benjamin, Graeme (September 24, 2018). "PCs win most seats in N.B. election, Liberals vow to maintain power". Global News. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  8. ^ Poitras, Jacques (November 2, 2018). "Brian Gallant's minority government defeated after losing confidence vote". CBC News. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  9. ^ Poitras, Jacques (March 30, 2022). "People's Alliance MLAs cross floor to join Tory government". CBC News. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  10. ^ Poitras, Jacques (November 30, 2023). "Higgs PCs face more internal division over party's direction". CBC News. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  11. ^ Ibrahim, Hadeel (October 26, 2023). "Higgs briefed on gender-identity policy 4 years before he made it an issue in May". CBC News. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  12. ^ Austen, Ian (June 17, 2023). "Deadnaming Children Would Be Allowed Under School Policy". The New York Times. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  13. ^ Dicks, Bill (June 15, 2023). "N.B. cabinet minister abruptly resigns over 'caucus mismanagement'". CTV News Atlantic. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  14. ^ "Calls for New Brunswick premier to resign grow louder as another minister resigns". The Globe and Mail. June 23, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Alam, Hina (June 27, 2023). "New faces, 2 ministers bounced as part of N.B. cabinet shuffle by Blaine Higgs". Global News. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  16. ^ Poitras, Jacques (June 27, 2023). "Blaine Higgs drops 2 rebellious ministers in cabinet shuffle". CBC News. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  17. ^ Gill, Jordan (June 28, 2023). "Fired cabinet minister speaks out on premier's leadership style". CBC News. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  18. ^ Brown, Laura (March 1, 2024). "Another Tory MLA rules out running in upcoming election, fourth in one month". CTV Atlantic. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  19. ^ "N.B. Tories not reoffering could be seen as problem or opportunity: profs - New Brunswick". Global News. March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  20. ^ Poitras, Jacques (March 21, 2024). "Dorothy Shephard is latest PC MLA to leave politics". CBC News. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  21. ^ Poitras, Jacques (October 30, 2023). "PC environment minister won't run in next provincial election". CBC News. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  22. ^ Poitras, Jacques (April 19, 2024). "Environment Minister Gary Crossman quits cabinet and legislature". CBC News New Brunswick. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  23. ^ Poitras, Jacques (October 28, 2024). "Glen Savoie is interim PC leader following resignation of Blaine Higgs". CBC. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  24. ^ "Our MLAs – PCNB". PCNB.
  25. ^ "Members of the Executive Council". Government of New Brunswick. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
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