Paul davis newfoundland biography

For pre-1949 Conservative parties, see Conservative parties in Newfoundland (pre-Confederation).

Political party in Canada

The Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincial political party uphold Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The function was founded in 1949 and virtually recently formed the Government of Dog and Labrador from the 2003 habitual election until the 2015 general choosing. The party has served as rank official opposition to the government be keen on Newfoundland and Labrador since 14 Dec 2015. On October 14, 2023, MHA Tony Wakeham was elected leader.^[2]

History

Origins

The unusual originated before Newfoundland's confederation with Canada as the Responsible Government League (RGL). The RGL campaigned for responsible reach a decision to return to Newfoundland, after essence suspended in 1934. In the 1948 referendum, Newfoundland narrowly voted to distinction Canada as its tenth province.^[3] Succeeding the referendum, federal parties started founding in Newfoundland and most members wait the RGL decided to align herself with the Progressive Conservative Party liberation Canada, to form the Progressive Right Party of Newfoundland.^[3][4][5]

In the political wild (1949–1972)

Harry Mews was acclaimed as head of state of the Progressive Conservative Party endure led them into the 1949 sectional election. Liberal leader Joey Smallwood, who had campaigned for confederation in 1948, led his party to victory, win 22 seats of the 28 places available. The Progressive Conservatives only managed to win five seats and Mews, who ran in the district be a devotee of St. John's West, was unsuccessful transparent his bid for a seat see the point of the House of Assembly.^[6][7] Mews was elected mayor of St. John's posterior that year and stepped down introduction party leader soon after.^[8]

The Progressive Conservatives struggled to make gains in rank province, being tarred as anti-confederates. Their support was confined to Roman Grand communities on the Avalon Peninsula out of St. John's, which had antiquated anti-confederation strongholds in the 1940s.^[9] Smallwood continued to lead the Liberal Component through the 1950s and 1960s; subdue, by 1969 his government started tackle problems. Failed megaprojects and controversial action decisions had started turning the overwhelm against Smallwood and his government.^[10] Do something attempted to revitalize his party coarse appointing younger men to his chestonchest, such as John Crosbie, Edward Chemist and Clyde Wells. However, Smallwood enlarged to face internal strife and proclaimed his resignation as leader and retirement from politics in 1969. Considering that Crosbie became the front-runner to progress to him as leader, Smallwood decided look after run for the leadership. Smallwood's edge bid was successful and Crosbie, in front with a number of young Liberals, defected to the Progressive Conservatives.^[9]

The defections of Crosbie and others revitalized integrity Progressive Conservatives. No longer tarred be oblivious to their anti-confederate stance in 1948, prestige Tories were viewed to be capital fresh and modern party.^[10] For character first time since confederation they became a credible force in forming government.^[9] Under the leadership of Gerald Ottenheimer, the party became better organized suffer built district associations throughout the district. In May 1971, Frank Moores, prestige federal Member of Parliament for interpretation Avalon-based riding of Bonavista—Trinity—Conception, was selected as party leader.^[11]

Moores era (1971–1979)

Moores substandard the Tories into the 1971 selection. They took 18 seats from dignity Liberals for a total of 21 seats in the House of Assembly; they had never won more outstrip seven seats previously. The Liberals won 20 seats, leaving the balancee appropriate power with the New Labrador Party's one MHA, Tom Burgess, a one-time Liberal dissident. Burgess decided to help the Conservatives, allowing Moores to place of duty government by one seat.^[12] Smallwood long-suffering as premier on 18 January 1972, and Moores was sworn in translation the second Premier of Newfoundland.^[10][13]

However, like that which Moores reneged on a promise dirty name Burgess to cabinet, Burgess defected back to the Liberals. Conservative MHA Hugh Shea crossed the floor in depth the Liberals just days after Moores was sworn in. Just hours pinpoint the new House met, Moores comprehend he was in no position have knowledge of govern. He asked Lieutenant Governor Ewart Harnum to dissolve the legislature topmost call another election.^[12] In the Step election, Moores led his party be required to a decisive victory, taking 33 way and 61% of the vote. Grandeur once-dominant Liberals, now led by Gospeler (who had ousted Smallwood as crowned head two months earlier), won nine seating and 37% of the popular vote.^[14] Moores was reelected to a specially term on 16 September 1975. Position number of districts in the subject had increased to 52, and rank Progressive Conservatives won 30 seats distinguished 46% of the popular vote.^[15]

Moores engrossed that his administration would make management more democratic and accountable, which was in contrast to Smallwood's domineering guidance style. The new Progressive Conservative authority vowed to promote rural development be proof against take greater control of the province's natural resources, it also distanced strike from the Liberal Party's resettlement interpretation, and industrialization policies.^[16]

The Moores government was successful in bringing about democratic reforms. His government brought in daily meticulously period, which was common in ascendant legislative assemblies in Canada but was non-existent in Newfoundland. The government too passed the Conflict of Interest Statute in 1973, which was the be in first place legislation of its kind in Canada. The act required elected officials vital senior civil servants to make common any investments or relationships that could influence the performance of their well-founded duties. It also forbade MHAs use voting or speaking on issues veer a conflict of interest could prevail. While Smallwood had treated his commode as an extension of his control, Moores gave his ministers more autonomy and greater control over their departments. The government created a planning innermost priorities committee of senior ministers, who would discuss and create policy get rid of resource development, government services, and organized programs. In 1975, an independent focus on non-partisan provincial ombudsman was created. Empress role was to investigate complaints running away citizens who felt they were contradictorily treated by government departments or agencies.^[16]

While the Moores government was successful get round implementing democratic reforms, his government difficult to understand little impact on improving Newfoundland's cut. Much of his time in sovereign state was monopolized with completing unfinished industrialised projects negotiated by Smallwood, many bad deal which were unsuccessful. The government peaky to re-negotiate the sale of Predestined Churchill Hydro electricity to Hydro-Quebec, on the other hand was unsuccessful. In 1974, $160 bomb was paid the British Newfoundland Partnership (BRINCO) to buy back water title and obtain a controlling interest generate the Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation Little, with hopes of developing hydro arduousness on the Lower Churchill river. Even, the government was not able line of attack negotiate a transmission route across Quebec to sell power into the Northbound American market. The Stephenville linerboard traditional was another drain on government currency and resources. By the time Moores took office in 1972, the mill's projected cost had increased from $75 million to $122 million, and state guarantees had more than doubled munch through $53 million to $110 million. Position mill was losing $100 on from time to time ton of linerboard it produced provoke 1976, and needed government subsidies find time for stay afloat. The province closed primacy mill, owned by the Crown practice Labrador Linerboard Limited, in August 1977 and sold the mill to Abitibi-Price Ltd. for $43.5 million. The Draw nigh By Chance Refinery also cost blue blood the gentry government millions of dollars in loans, including $60 million in 1975. Primacy refinery was $42 million in duty to the province when it filed for bankruptcy in 1976.^[16]

With so untold money and resources being spent exercise industrial projects, the Moores government was unable to follow through on promises of rural development. Between five stream 10% of government spending was earmarked for fisheries, agriculture, forestry, tourism, innermost rural development. While Moores disagreed unwanted items Smallwood's resettlement plans outmigration of sylvan to urban areas continued without state intervention. The province's fishery struggled, absurd to overcapacity in the industry. Discharge was a major problem in rendering province, which was only exacerbated encourage an increasing birth rate since depiction 1940s. During its first five length of existence in power, the Moores administration further the public service from 7,600 lecturers to 9,300. By 1977, the subject was spending more money on salaries than it received in tax provident. At the same time, the zone unemployment rate was estimated at 34%. Newfoundland relied on loans and federated transfer payments to pay salaries, sponsor industrial project and fund other Moores announced he was retiring by the same token premier in 1979. When he omitted office, the provincial debt was give $2.6 billion, up from $970 packet in 1972.^[16]

Peckford era (1979–1989)

In the 1979 leadership convention, 10 candidates came expand to succeed Moores as leader submit premier. The leading candidates in position race were Leo Barry, Walter Haulier, Bill Doody and Brian Peckford.^[17][18] Afterwards the convention Peckford, who most of late served as Minister of Energy accept Mines, was elected Progressive Conservative emperor after three ballots. He was man in as the third Premier model Newfoundland on 26 March 1979.^[19] Win over 26 May 1979, the legislature was dissolved and an election was school assembly for 18 June 1979. On choosing night Peckford led the party sound out an increased majority government, winning 33 seats and 50% of the accepted vote.^[20] In the 1982 provincial plebiscite Peckford led the Progressive Conservatives hit a second, and larger, majority authority. His party won 60% of rank popular vote and took 44 make a fuss over the 52 seats in the legislature.^[21] In the 1985, provincial election character Tories were once again re-elected botched job Peckford's leadership. However, a significant boost in support for the New Popular Party (NDP), and a bump involve Liberal support, resulted in a radically reduced majority for the Tories. They won 49% of the vote be proof against 36 seats in the House be proper of Assembly.^[22][23]

Peckford's premiership was heavily focused belt resource development. He strove for bigger independence from the federal government gore constitutional reform, so that Newfoundland could manage its natural resources. Peckford's goals resonated well with voters in position province who were embracing nationalism existing their distinct culture. However, much classic the province's natural resources were by that time controlled by outside interests. The catastrophic Upper Churchill deal, signed by Smallwood, was benefitting Quebec instead of Dog, mining in Labrador West was pressurized by the Iron Ore Company obvious Canada, multinational companies controlled the arboriculture, while the federal government controlled such of the fishery. The offshore interrupt was a new industry which could have very lucrative benefits for picture impoverished province, however the federal create challenged Newfoundland's claimed ownership of nobleness resource.^[24]

The Peckford administration worked to negociate the lopsided Upper Churchill contract be in keeping with Quebec, however repeated attempts were bootless. The federal government was unwilling turn into intervene, and in 1984 and 1988 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled twice in Quebec's favour. Like fillet predecessor, Peckford hoped to develop honesty Lower Churchill hydro project, but climax government was also unsuccessful in getting a transmission route through Quebec. Culminate government sought for constitutional change tolerable that the province would have bigger control of the fisheries, but Peckford was unable to get enough fund from other premiers. The government sincere its best to influence federal fisheries policies, but Ottawa still brought blessed controversial policies that Peckford felt were disastrous. His government also continued narrow policies that added to overcapacity make happen the fishery, such as allowing as well many fish processing plants to operate.^[24]

The biggest success of Peckford's tenure was the signing of the Atlantic Assent, which led to the development govern the province's offshore oil industry.^[25] Careful 1984, the Supreme Court of Canada had ruled that the due toady to oil being located offshore Newfoundland vision fell under federal jurisdiction. However, collective 1985, Peckford negotiated the Atlantic Coincide with Prime MinisterBrian Mulroney, the Conform gave the province equal say cause offshore management and a large serving of all revenues. The Accord standard widespread support and was hailed importation a turning point in the province's economy, however it would take period for the offshore oil industry bring out be developed.

Constitutional reform was pure major topic in Canada throughout prestige 1980s.^[26] In 1981, Peckford was involved in adding a clause to rectitude Canadian constitution recognizing affirmative action programs. He also supported the Meech Power point Accord, which he hoped would alter federal authority and give the area a greater say over fisheries gain offshore oil management. Other notable fairytale under Peckford included the appointment spick and span Lynn Verge and Hazel Newhook suggest the provincial cabinet in 1979, they became the first women to be at someone's beck as cabinet ministers in Newfoundland take Labrador.^[24][27] Peckford's government also adopted a- new provincial flag on 6 June 1980.^[28] The province implemented twelfth children's in 1983, the same year decoding began on the Trans-Labrador Highway. Empress government also partnered with Philip Disentangle to build hydroponic greenhouses on ethics island and sell cucumbers in Ocean Canada and the eastern United States. The "Sprung Greenhouse" was constructed to all intents and purposes the St. John's-Mount Pearl boundary, on the contrary was an economic failure. Cucumbers adult at the greenhouse were more economical than what was already available end in grocery stores, the province spent $22 million on the Sprung Greenhouse in advance it went into receivership in 1989.^[29]

Towards the end of his political job, Peckford became increasingly unpopular.^[30][31] The parochial economy continued to struggle throughout wreath premiership, unemployment remained high and cheese-paring were low. A global recession shout insults the province's resource sector and integrity fishery was the brink of destruction. Peckford's promise of rural development single led to make-work projects and federally administered employment insurance programs. While type had hoped the Sprung Greenhouse would help diversify the economy it sole hurt the credibility and popularity unmoving him and his party. On 21 January 1989, Peckford announced his seclusion poetic deser from politics.^[24][29]

In that year's leadership choosing, Fisheries Minister Tom Rideout was closely elected leader, beating four other men.^[32][33]

Defeat and opposition (1989–2003)

Rideout was sworn barred enclosure as premier of Newfoundland on 22 March 1989.^[34] A week after growth sworn in as premier he callinged a general election to be booked on 20 April 1989.^[35] The Developing Conservatives went into the election vacate a large lead in public judgment polls, but that lead evaporated chimpanzee the campaign wore on.^[36] On determination night Clyde Wells led his Humanitarian Party to victory, winning 31 seating compared to 21 for the Tories.^[37] While the Liberal Party were personal to win more seats and homogeneous government, the Progressive Conservatives had in reality won the popular vote by graceful slim 1,400-vote margin.^[35]

Rideout stayed on significance leader of the party until 17 January 1991, when he announced monarch resignation. Rideout stated that the piece had a better chance of prepossessing the next election with a newborn leader.^[38] Rideout was succeeded as king by Len Simms, who led primacy party into the 1993 general selection. The election was heavily focused rescue the economy. The Liberals, under Fit, campaigned on cutting $70 million breakout the public sector payroll, while both the Tories and New Democrats mat the cuts proposed by Wells were too drastic.^[39][40] The Liberal Party was re-elected and the PC Party left behind support and seats to both rendering Liberals and New Democrats.^[41]

Simms resigned importation leader in 1994 and a hold convention was held on the weekend of 28–29 April 1995. Unlike character 1979 and 1989 leadership conventions, which saw a large number of competition, the 1995 race saw just match up candidates seek the leadership; Lynn Blow apart and Loyola Sullivan. Verge was premier elected in 1979, becoming one method the first women to serve importance a cabinet minister; she had anachronistic Deputy Premier under Rideout. Sullivan was a businessman and former educator who was first elected in a 1992 by-election. Both were seen as to go to different factions of the party; Brink represented the progressive wing while Architect represented the conservative wing.^[42] The direction contest was considered to be clever bitter affair by some, with Affect winning by a margin of leash votes.^[43] With her win, Verge became the first woman to serve gorilla leader of a political party restrict the province's history.^[44]

The PC Party bloc was divided following Verge's win, crowd only due to her representing goodness progressive wing but also because deal in her gender. The divisions within description party remained quiet during her important six months as leader, but became public by November. The PC Testing had been confident that they could defeat Wells in the next discretion, but by November 1995, a Incarnate Research Associates (CRA) poll showed go wool-gathering the Liberals held a large boon over the Tories. The following period Wells announced he would be stepping down as premier of Newfoundland.^[42] Totally unplanned 26 January 1996, Wells was replaced by Brian Tobin, a popular accomplice minister in Jean Chrétien's government. Fro were discussions of ousting Verge bit leader, until Tobin called a bring out election for 22 February 1996.^[45][46] Regarding were fears that the Liberals would win every seat in the legislature; in the end the PC Aggregation won nine seats and 39% admire the popular vote. Although this was the Tories' worst showing in 30 years, Verge had managed to extremity the gap between the Tories station Liberals as the campaign wore on.^[47][48][49] Indeed, some Liberal insiders even known she could have won the accepted vote in the election if birth campaign had lasted another week. Brink lost her own seat by heptad votes. She subsequently resigned as king and was succeeded by Sullivan taste an interim basis.^[42]

Ed Byrne became chief of the Progressive Conservatives in 1998, when he was uncontested for goodness leadership, and led the party happen upon the 1999 general election.^[32] The understanding gained 2.11% more of the well-liked vote in the election and hyperbolic their caucus from nine members anticipate 14. Two years later, Byrne stepped down as leader of the piece and successful businessman and lawyer Danny Williams was acclaimed his successor.^[50]

Williams stage (2001–2010)

Two months after taking the edge, Williams won a by-election in grandeur Corner Brook district of Humber West.^[51] The Progressive Conservatives won four by-elections after the 1999 election, and gained another MHA when Liberal Party participant Ross Wisemancrossed the floor to append the party. When the legislature was dissolved for the 2003 election grandeur party had increased its caucus solve 19 members. In the election interpretation Tories were returned to power afterwards 14 years, winning 34 of integrity province's 48 seats.^[52] In the uncultured election in 2007 the Progressive Conservatives won a landslide victory. The social gathering won 44 out of the 48 seats in the House of Gathering and took just under 70% care the popular vote, the largest gain victory for any party in the province's history.^[53]

Early in Williams' first term similarly premier he took a more fiscally conservative approach to governing.^[54] He rock bottom the size of the provincial bureau following the election, and months consequent reformed government departments.^[55][56] After discovering give it some thought the province was in worse pecuniary shape than previously thought, and bite the bullet annual deficits of $1 billion, subside made a number of controversial cuts.^[57] The construction of new hospitals be first schools, that had been planned get somebody on your side the previous Liberal government, were support on hold, and the number discern school and health boards were compressed.^[54][58] After a monthlong strike the reach a decision legislated public service employees back manage work in April 2004, without excellent pay raise.^[54]

After a successful fight laughableness the federal Liberal government to re-negotiate the fiscal arrangement of the Ocean Accord and a significant increase pavement oil prices, offshore oil revenues hurry to record surpluses for the local government.^{[59][60][61][62]} The new surpluses led test the Williams government reducing income duty and significantly increasing government spending. Excellence increases in spending was largely focused on upgrading the province's infrastructure point of view social programs.^[63][64] He also gave habitual service employees increases in pay disseminate over 20%, to make up liberation years that their pay was frozen.^[65][66] By the time he left sovereignty in 2010, government spending had skyrocketed, his provincial cabinet had increased shout approval 18 ministers and the size look up to the public service was significantly extensive than when he took office.^[67] For ages c in depth government spending was up substantially wreath government still managed to reduce honourableness province's net debt by roughly $4 billion and Williams was considered single of the most fiscally responsible premiers in Canada.^[68]

On 25 November 2010, Ballplayer announced that he would step squash as premier on 3 December 2010 and that Deputy Premier Kathy Dunderdale would serve as the premier eradicate the province until the Progressive Conservatives chose a new leader in 2011.^[69]

Dunderdale era (2010–2014)

Kathy Dunderdale was sworn answer as the tenth Premier of Dog and Labrador on 3 December 2010, following the resignation of Williams.^[70] She became the first woman in rank province to hold the post humbling only the sixth woman in Canada to become premier. Although she confidential stated she would not seek integrity leadership of the party Dunderdale proclaimed on 30 December 2010, that she was entering the leadership race accord with the backing of her entire caucus.^[71] She was the only eligible nominee to seek the leadership and was sworn in as party leader set of contacts 2 April 2011.^[72] Later that day Dunderdale led the Progressive Conservatives stick to their third consecutive victory in blue blood the gentry provincial election. Despite a drop preparation support from the previous election nobleness PC Party elected 37 MHAs shaft won 56% of the popular vote.^[73] The development of the Muskrat Cascade project, along with other natural imagination developments, and the reining in remind you of public spending dominated her time sort premier. As well Dunderdale faced various questions about her leadership and memo skills as public support for give someone the boot and her government declined significantly as her three years in office.^[74]

In class lead up to the 2012 pull down, Dunderdale and her ministers began take care of warn the public of looming expenses cuts to rein in projected multi-year deficits. Dunderdale said her government esoteric a goal of finding $100 bomb in savings.^[75][76] When the budget was released on 24 April 2012, come into being contained few cuts and government expenditure increased by 1.7%. Finance Minister Have a break Marshall said that instead of manufacture large cuts all at once go the government would embark on unadulterated "core mandate analysis" to restrain outlay growth for the next ten discretion. The government forecasted that they would run a deficit of $258 1000000 for the 2012–2013 fiscal year.^[77][78] Mass June 2012, Dunderdale's government brought upon controversial legislation, known as Bill 29, that reformed the province's Access know about Information and Protection of Privacy Entail. The legislation received widespread criticism take from opposition parties, the public and experts in the field of access know about information laws.^[79] Bill 29 was passed in the House of Assembly aft a four-day filibuster by opposition parties.^[80] Three months after the bill was passed longtime MHA and former bureau minister Tom Osborne announced he was leaving the PC caucus due carry out dissatisfaction with Dunderdale's leadership and government opposition to Bill 29, which filth had voted for.^[81] On 17 Dec 2012, Dunderdale along with Emera Spirit announced they had both officially authoritative the Muskrat Falls project, two time eon after the project was first announced.^[82]

While the Dunderdale government and the Personal computer Party fared well in opinion poll conducted throughout 2012 their support trended downwards. In December 2012, a CRA poll showed support for the Advancing Conservatives was at 46%, a interpretation of 14 percentage points in smashing year. The same poll showed fulfilment with government stood at 58%, log from 75% in a December 2011 poll. Dunderdale's personal numbers took primacy biggest hit. Only 36% of exercises thought Dunderdale was the best patronizing for premier, down from 59% crucial a year.^[83]

In January 2013, Dunderdale muddled Jerome Kennedy into the finance envelope as her government once again warned of large spending cuts. When President delivered his budget on 26 Tread 2013, he announced the government would run a $563.8 million deficit support the 2013 fiscal year. The without fail included $300 million in spending cuts and saw 1,200 public sector jobs eliminated.^[84][85] Dissatisfaction with Dunderdale and quip government increased significantly after the help of the 2013 budget. In depiction first public opinion poll released tail end the budget, 65% of respondents thought they were dissatisfied with the government's performance. Only 21% felt Dunderdale was the best choice for premier, at the end the other two party leaders, paramount the Progressive Conservative Party fell join third place.

Despite a number end big wins for her government all through the last half of 2013, Dunderdale struggle to regain the ground she had lost in public opinion closest that year's budget.^[86] In September bitterness government announced a tentative deal difficult to understand been reached with NAPE, the province's largest public sector union. Earlier gradient the year Carol Furlong, the the man of NAPE, warned that the junction had a war chest built shape if a strike was necessary.^[87] Bitterness government reached agreements with several bottle up unions throughout the remainder of authority year.^[88] In October she joined ministry with Husky Energy to announce stray the company would build a fresh offshore oil platform for the Westward White Rose Extension in Placentia.^[89] Sui generis incomparabl weeks later her government announced influence benefits they had negotiated as go fast of the Canada's Comprehensive Economic take Trade Agreement with the European Undividedness, particularly with regards to the piscary. The provincial government agreed to eradicate minimum process requirement for the Continent Union in exchange for the suppression of high tariffs on seafood. Cycle later Dunderdale and her ministers were joined with fishing industry officials show announce that as part of depiction free trade agreement the provincial skull federal governments would invest $400 packet into the fishery over three life-span. In December she announced all support for the Muskrat Falls was jammy place, with the province borrowing $5-billion, with a 40-year term at 3.8% interest.^[90]

While her government's satisfaction increased everywhere in the last quarter of 2013, upon was little change in Dunderdale's bodily numbers or support for the Intensifying Conservative Party. A CRA poll on the loose in December showed the party abstruse move back into second place, unpaid to a collapse in NDP sponsorship, but the gap between them suffer the first place Liberals increased in the long run. The Progressive Conservatives polled at 29% compared to 52% for the Liberals and 19% for the NDP.^[91] Dunderdale faced many questions about her dominion but stated numerous times she was not resigning before the next election.^[92][93][94]

In early January 2014, the province conversant wide spread power outages that concluded 190,000 customers. The outages were dinky result of cold temperatures coupled polished problems at generating facilities.^[95] The outages lasted for several days which caused businesses to close and delayed depiction opening of schools and post-secondary institutes following their Christmas break.^[96] Dunderdale deliberate criticism for not addressing the decode until several days after rolling blackouts began. When she did address distinction public Dunderdale was accused of downplaying the significance of the blackouts. Prior cabinet minister Shawn Skinner said Dunderdale lacked empathy and compassion when stating that there was no crisis.^[97] Afterwards weeks of outrage over her running of the power issue, which maxim a PC MHA cross the batter to the Liberals, it was common that Dunderdale was returning early depart from vacation to announce her resignation.^[98][99]

On 22 January 2014, Dunderdale announced her abandonment as premier in the lobby build up the Confederation Building, stating "just whilst you know when it's time regarding step up, you also know conj at the time that it is time to step accent, and that time for me attempt now." Dunderdale said that Finance Parson Tom Marshall would succeed her though premier and become interim leader simulated the Progressive Conservatives while the original held a leadership convention to grub up a permanent successor.^[100]

Marshall era (2014)

Marshall was sworn in as the 11th First of Newfoundland and Labrador on 24 January 2014.^[101] During Marshall's eight months as premier he reversed several disputable decisions the government made while Dunderdale was premier. Five days after seem to be sworn in Marshall announced that powder would be striking a committee habitation review the province's access to expertise laws due to the backlash excellence government had received since Bill 29 was adopted in June 2012.^[102] Fair enough later announced an "Open Government Initiative" to share more data and case online.

In March 2014, Marshall proclaimed his government would also establish upshot oversight committee for the Muskrat Water project. The committee would be thankful up of senior bureaucrats and would release quarterly updates on the appointment to the public.^[103] During the Jump sitting of the legislature his administration passed whistleblower legislation to protect hand over sector employees.. Whistleblower legislation was employed during the 2007 election but say publicly government repeatedly delayed enacting it make a mistake both Williams and Dunderdale.^[104][105]

Marshall also proclaimed that a new hospital to excellence built in Corner Brook would restock cancer treatment. The government had formerly said the population of the part did not warrant radiation therapy cliquey a Positron emission tomography (PET) scanner.^[106] Following Marshall's announcement that both would be part of the new sickbay he shuffled Susan Sullivan out discern the Health portfolio. Sullivan, who esoteric defended the decision to not proffer the services, was replaced by Apostle Davis.^[107]

On 2 September 2014, Marshall extra Finance Minister Charlene Johnson held precise news conference with multiple union select few to announce that they had negotiated a deal to reform pension line-up for the majority of public subdivision employees. The government had spoken surrounding the need to reform pension version preparations for years. As of 31 Amble 2014, the pension liabilities and keep inside post-retirement benefits made up 74% endorse Newfoundland and Labrador's $9.8 billion disposition debt. Reforms to the plan be part of the cause increased contributions by employers and command beginning 1 January 2015, over fin years the retirement age will epidemic to 58 and employees will demand to 10 years of service cue qualify for a pension rather escape five years. The unions and polity will jointly manage the fund converge the creation of a new society and it is expected the instrumentation will be fully funded within 30 years.^[108]

While polling showed a significant growth in government satisfaction and high sanction ratings for Marshall, the Progressive Rightist Party was unable to regain integrity support it had lost during Dunderdale's tenure as premier. A CRA vote conducted throughout August 2014, showed drift 62% of those polled were pleased with the government's performance under Lawman. This number was consistent with burden polls conducted by CRA during Marshall's time as premier.^[109] An Angus Philosopher Global poll ranking the popularity dressing-down Canadian premiers placed Marshall as primacy third most popular premier in rank country, with a 59% approval rating.^[110] CRA placed support for the Computer Party at 33% in February 2014—a four-point increase since November 2013—but regulars fell over the next two billet. The party's support fell to 29% in May and fell again recognize 26% in August.^[109]

Paul Davis (2014–2015)

Davis was sworn in as the 12th Chief executive of Newfoundland and Labrador on 26 September 2014.^[111][112] It is believed prowl Davis is the first premier shoulder Canadian history to have previously studied as a Police Officer.^[113]

At the ban in ceremony for his cabinet take away 30 September 2014, Davis announced zigzag the Department of Justice would notify be titled the Department of Leak out Safety and that the Fire soar Emergency Services portfolio would now tumble down under the department. In a disconcert move Davis announced that St. John's lawyer Judy Manning would serve in the same way the department's new minister, despite snivel being an elected member of primacy House of Assembly.^[114][115] Davis received condemnation for dropping justice from the department's name as well as the letdown of Manning, due to her actuality unelected and not willing to search for a seat in the House sell like hot cakes Assembly until the next election.^[116] Illustrative from the provincial branch of description Canadian Bar Association met with Solon on 10 October 2014, to examination him on why the former Arm of Justice was replaced with illustriousness Department of Public Safety. Following glory meeting Davis announced the department would be renamed the Department of Equity and Public Safety.^[117]

On 15 January 2015, Davis announced that the House cherished Assembly would be opening the people week so that his government could bring forth legislation to reduce honesty number of electoral districts in character province by 8. Under the province's current legislation a committee was hypothetical to be set up in 2016 to review electoral boundaries. Davis proclaimed he was speeding up the enter in order to reduce the edition of districts before the next choosing, which is supposed to be callinged by September 2015. Previously there were 48 electoral districts in the territory. His government expects that by dipping the number to 40 the rule will save $10 million over two years.^[118] Along with reducing the back issue of electoral districts, the Davis control will also review MHA pension structuring and identify measures to increase character participation of elected members in honourableness House of Assembly.^[119]

On 29 April 2015, Davis along with his Minister break into Health and Community Services and Manage of Seniors, Wellness and Social Incident announced a plan to partner cut off private and non-profit providers to fabricate 360 long-term care beds throughout decency island portion of the province. Elegant private or non-profit provider would make and operate new long-term care safe conduct and the provincial government would agreement a per-bed fee. The Davis control hired Partnerships BC - a acme corporation in British Columbia specializing call a halt public private partnerships - to promote between government and the potential providers. The move was condemned by justness public sector unions who called high-mindedness move an attack on their workers.^[120]

On 22 October 2015, Davis announced nobility Downpayment Assistance Program, to be administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Accommodation Corporation. The program was a biennial pilot project which provided downpayment loans to first-time homebuyers who have low-to-moderate incomes. Applicants must have a dwelling income of $65,000 or less. Probity downpayment loans range from between $4,500 and $12,500 and successful applicants discretion not have to begin repaying their loans until five years after integrity purchase of their home.^[121]

Opposition (2015–present)

See: 2018 Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland cope with Labrador leadership election
2023 Progressive Conservative Part of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership election

Following the 2015 provincial election, the Ongoing Conservative Party was reduced to one and only 7 seats after previously controlling honesty government since 2003.^{[122][123][124]} In 2016, Missioner Davis announced his resignation following picture election of a new leader. Build 28 April 2018 lawyer Ches Crosbie defeated Health Authority CEO Tony Wakeham to succeed outgoing leader Paul Actress. The leadership convention operated under straighten up mixed vote-points system in which systematic hundred points were awarded in the whole number of the 40 districts across significance province, based on the percentage dear vote each candidate won. The last tally was Crosbie with 2,298.92 endure Wakeham with 1,701.08 points respectively.^[125] Next the election of Crosbie as commander in April 2018, Davis announced forbidden would resign as Leader of blue blood the gentry Opposition. Since Crosbie does not enjoy a seat in the House look up to Assembly, MHA David Brazil was decreed Leader of the Opposition on 14 May 2018.^[126] On 20 September 2018 Crosbie won the district of Dynasty Lake in a by-election, therefore suitable Leader of the Opposition.^[127] In Nov 2018, Davis resigned as MHA.

Crosbie led the party into the 2019 provincial election with the party accelerando its seat count from 7 health check 15. The PCs finished 1% caress the Liberals in the popular opt and the Ball government was abridged to a minority.^{[128][129][130][131]}

Crosbie led the testing into the 2021 provincial election. Fair enough was personally defeated in his territory of Windsor Lake; while the slender lost one other seat, electing 13 MHAs.^[132] The Liberals under Furey won a majority government.^[133] On 31 Amble 2021, Crosbie resigned as leader prep added to MHA David Brazil was appointed brief Leader and interim Leader of character Opposition.^{[134][135][136]} On October 14, 2023, MHA Tony Wakeham was elected leader.^[2] Prop up November 10, 2023, David Brazil declared his resignation as MHA effective Dec 29, 2023.^[137] On January 30, 2024, Liberal candidate Fred Hutton was elective in the Conception Bay East - Bell Islandby-election, gaining the seat deseed the Progressive Conservatives.^[138] On April 15, 2024, the Fogo Island-Cape Freels bye-election was held. Progressive Conservative candidate Jim McKenna was elected, gaining the situation appointment from the Liberals. On May 27, 2024, Progressive Conservative candidate Lin Runnel was elected in the Baie Verte-Green Bayby-election, gaining the seat from interpretation Liberals.^[139] On July 16, 2024, MHA Lela Evans rejoined the PC Party.^[140]

Ideologies and policies

The Progressive Conservative Party not bad a political party which is sense up of two dominant factions: collective democrats and liberal conservatives. The management of the party has tended obstacle be dominated by centrists or proponents of the Third Way throughout influence party's history. Party leaders Brian Peckford, Tom Rideout, and Lynn Verge were all seen as being part tactic the Red Tory base of justness party, while their main challengers convoluted at the leadership conventions, Bill Doody, Len Simms, and Loyola Sullivan, were considered to be further to integrity right.^[141] Danny Williams has stated turn this way he considers the PC Party restrain be a grouping of Red Tories whose social and fiscal viewpoints try softer than those of the accomplice Conservative Party that was formed monitor 2003.^[142]

During the Constitutional negotiations of class 1980s, the Tories supported a redistributed federation, while the Liberals were restore favour of a strong central government.^[143] The Tories lost power in 1989 but continued to argue for delegation in opposition, voting in favour clean and tidy a package of proposed constitutional amendments called the Meech Lake Accord, exhaustively the Liberal Party led by Clyde Wells opposed it.^[144]

Federal affiliation

The party tea break recognizes select ex-officio representation at well-fitting annual General meetings from the Obscurantist Party of Canada (and the bequest federal PC Party before the merging of the federal PC and Idiolect Parties in 2003). While there research paper some overlap in support federally sit provincially, there have been periods invoke tension and distance.

Under Premier Colonist, the party's relationship with federal Conservatives, led by Stephen Harper, was many times tenuous.^[145] After Harper reneged on a-okay promise made to Williams during magnanimity 2006 federal election, regarding equalization payments, Williams launched the Anything But Cautious (ABC) campaign. The ABC campaign pleased people to vote for any blemish party but the Conservatives, with undiluted goal of making sure no Right was elected in the next federated election in Newfoundland and Labrador.^[146] Glory campaign, which was supported by go into battle but one member of Williams' clique, crippled the federal party's ability defer to find candidates and volunteers.^[147][148] On choosing night the campaign was successful, illustriousness Conservative Party lost the three places they had held prior to greatness election, and won only 17% time off the popular vote in the nonstop. Despite being shut out of Island and Labrador the Conservatives did get in touch with to win a second minority government.^[149] Following the election Williams announced rove it was time to end jurisdiction battle with Ottawa, and both sharp-tasting and Harper signaled a willingness cope with work with each other.^[150][151]

When Dunderdale succeeded Williams as Premier, she worked offer build a stronger relationship between grandeur province and Harper's Conservative government.^[152] Heroic act the beginning of the May 2011 federal election campaign, Dunderdale gave distinction green light to members of barren caucus to campaign with the in alliance Conservative Party.^[153] At a campaign interrupt in St. John's, Dunderdale, along form the majority of her caucus, ex cathedra the Conservative Party.^[154] After having hitch attracting candidates in 2008, the Conservatives ran three former provincial cabinet ministers who served under Williams.^[155] Despite grandeur support from the provincial party rectitude Conservatives were unable to get lessen to their traditional level of aid, they elected one MP and accrued their popular vote to 28%.^[156] Midst a 2017 visit to St. John's, federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer tumble with then-PC leader Paul Davis. Recovered 2018, Scheer visited St. John's aside the Regatta celebration and met bump into PC leader Ches Crosbie.

Electoral performance

Party leaders

Moores, Peckford, Rideout, Colonist, Dunderdale, Marshall, and Davis have bent both leader and premier.

See also

References