Historic 2024 election: New Brunswick elects Holt as first woman premier with a decisive majority

In the latest New Brunswick provincial election, the Liberal Party emerged victorious with 31 (48%) of 49 total seats, the Progressive Conservatives secured 16 seats (35%), and the Greens captured two seats (14%). This outcome led to the historic election of Susan Holt as New Brunswick’s first woman premier, defeating Progressive Conservative (PC) Premier Blaine Higgs.

A balanced approach

In her victory speech, Holt emphasized that her party will prioritize healthcare, education, and affordable housing while exercising fiscal responsibility and focusing on the bottom line.

Key election themes:

• Healthcare dominated the election narrative, with voters demanding significant reforms to address primary healthcare access, staffing shortages, wait times, and rural healthcare access.
• Housing emerged as a critical issue, with calls for affordable housing solutions and policies to address the housing crisis.
• Policy 713 shone a light on the protection of LGBTQ+ students in schools. This contentious topic garnered significant attention and resulted in internal turmoil within the Higgs PC government, with many high-profile ministers and MLAs speaking out, exiting caucus, resigning, and public protests.
• HST Reduction did not resonate as strongly with voters compared to other issues despite making the headlines during the election.

What to expect with a new government, premier, and cabinet

Premier Susan Holt’s leadership

• Historic milestone: Susan Holt’s election as the first woman premier of New Brunswick marks a significant milestone in the province’s political history.
• Direct involvement: Holt will actively participate in legislative proceedings, providing strong leadership and direction. Based on her comments and commitments, her leadership style is expected to be collaborative, pragmatic, and inclusive.

Cabinet formation

• Diverse and experienced Team: Expect Holt to form a cabinet that reflects diversity and includes experienced, capable individuals from many sectors but who are also unseasoned politically and will need to get up to speed quickly on their departments and the issues.
• Healthcare focus: Key cabinet positions, such as the Minister of Health, will be crucial in driving the healthcare reforms promised during the campaign.

Legislative priorities

• Healthcare reforms: Immediate efforts will be made to address healthcare system challenges, including establishing 30 collaborative primary healthcare clinics within the first three years, as Holt promised.
• Housing initiatives: Policies to increase affordable housing options and address the housing crisis will be prioritized.
• Policy 713: The focus will be on ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students in schools.
• Fiscal management: Holt has said her government will have balanced budgets and continue to pay down provincial debt (similar to the previous government).

Governance and stability

• Majority government: With 31 seats, the Liberals have a solid majority, which allows for more stable governance and the easy passage of legislation.
• Collaboration: Although the Liberals have a majority, we could see collaboration with the other parties on healthcare, housing, and municipal reform to enhance legislative effectiveness.

Engaging with New Brunswick's new leadership

This result surprised many who thought the election would be much closer and expected a minority government or a slimmer majority. New Brunswickers were ready for a change, particularly in urban areas. The growing unpopularity of the Liberals federally did not seem to impact this election.

Susan Holt’s historic election as New Brunswick’s first woman premier, coupled with a strong mandate for healthcare reform, positions her to lead the province effectively. The Liberal majority allows for a stable government, but strategic alliances and collaboration will be key to addressing the province’s pressing issues.

With many new faces, including staff and cabinet ministers, a strategic, well-coordinated approach is required to work effectively with the new premier, government, and cabinet ministers. Understanding the new government’s priorities, building relationships, and presenting a compelling case can help organizations and businesses find alignment and achieve their advocacy goals.

NATIONAL works with clients daily to build strategies to navigate the complexities of working with a government.