Who Governs New Brunswick?

The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick, led by Blaine Higgs, currently controls the province. The Progressive Conservatives were re-elected to a majority government in the 2020 provincial election, winning 27 out of 49 seats. The party has its origins in the pre-Canadian Confederation Conservative Party and has historically followed the Red Tory tradition. The Progressive Conservatives tend to hold a moderate stance, being socially and fiscally centrist. The party has alternated power with the New Brunswick Liberal Association since Confederation.

The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick

The party has led the provincial government since 2018 under Premier Blaine Higgs, who was first appointed Premier on November 9, 2018. The Progressive Conservatives were re-elected to a majority government in the 2020 provincial election, which was held on September 14, 2020—the first general election in Canada since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tories have alternated power with the New Brunswick Liberal Association since Confederation. The party has typically held a moderate Red Tory stance and is socially and fiscally centrist. While the party has historically had greater support among English speakers, initiatives by the governments of Richard Hatfield and Bernard Lord to include Acadians in the mainstream of New Brunswick life helped the party gain support among Acadians as well.

The Liberal Party of New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Liberal Party adheres to the centre-left tradition in its policies and platform. It has a history of competing with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the provincial government. The party has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the province, particularly under the leadership of Premier Andrew G. Blair, who served as Premier for 13 years and was responsible for consolidating the party's support. Blair's successful government initiatives and long tenure established a strong foundation for the party.

Over the years, the Liberal Party of New Brunswick has undergone leadership changes and experienced both victories and defeats in provincial elections. In recent times, the party has faced challenges, losing the 2018 provincial election to the Progressive Conservatives and currently serving as the opposition party. However, the Liberals have also had notable successes, such as their return to power under Brian Gallant in the 2014 provincial election, where they won a majority and Gallant was sworn in as Premier.

The Green Party of New Brunswick

The party continued to make gains in subsequent elections. In the 2018 provincial election, the Green Party elected three MLAs, and in the 2020 election, those three MLAs were all re-elected, retaining their representation in the Legislative Assembly. The Green Party's support has been growing, as evidenced by their ability to maintain their three seats in the 2020 election while also gaining more voters.

Despite internal challenges, such as the resignation of Louise Comeau from the federal Green Party council due to infighting, the Green Party of New Brunswick has established itself as a force in the province's politics. With a commitment to grassroots supporters and a focus on environmental and social issues, the party has shaped the political landscape of New Brunswick and provided a voice for those seeking change and sustainable solutions.

The People's Alliance of New Brunswick

The People's Alliance has a platform that combines economic conservatism, rural populism, and opposition to certain aspects of official bilingualism and duality. They advocate for "common-sense" government and have long called for a ban on the use of Glyphosate on Crown Lands. They also support rent caps to protect affordable housing for New Brunswick citizens.

In the 2018 election, the People's Alliance won three seats in the provincial legislature for the first time since its founding. Party leader Kris Austin was elected in Fredericton-Grand Lake, Rick DeSaulniers in Fredericton-York, and Michelle Conroy in Miramichi, defeating two-time Liberal Cabinet Minister Bill Fraser. The party won 12.58% of the popular vote.

However, in 2022, Kris Austin and Michelle Conroy left the People's Alliance to join the Progressive Conservatives, leading to the party's deregistration as a provincial party on March 31, 2022. The party was re-registered in April 2022 under the interim leadership of Rick DeSaulniers, who was later chosen to be the official party leader.

Membership in the People's Alliance of New Brunswick is only $10 per year, and members can attend Annual General Meetings, nominate and vote for members of the Board of Directors and/or Leadership, and participate in Policy Conventions.

The New Democratic Party

The NDP has a mailing address in Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. The party can be contacted via email or telephone.

New Brunswick has a unicameral legislature, called the New Brunswick Legislature, which consists of the Lieutenant Governor and the Legislative Assembly with 49 seats. The legislature functions according to the Westminster system of government. Elections are held at least every five years but can be called earlier by the lieutenant governor in consultation with the premier.

The party that wins the most seats in the Legislative Assembly forms the provincial government, and its leader becomes the premier of the province.

Frequently asked questions