Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan paid a visit to Government House on Monday to meet with Lt.-Gov. Joan Marie Aylward and request the dissolution of the House of Assembly, setting the stage for a provincial election expected to take place on October 14.
Hogan’s Liberals are seeking to maintain power for a third consecutive term, facing off against the Progressive Conservative Party led by Tony Wakeham and the New Democratic Party led by Jim Dinn.
Accompanied by his wife, Gill, and their dog, Rooney, Hogan looked cheerful as he made his way to Government House to announce the upcoming provincial election. Each party leader is now leading their respective campaigns for the first time.
Currently, there are 40 seats in the House of Assembly, with the Liberals holding 19, the PCs holding 14, the NDP holding one, and two seats held by Independents. Additionally, there are four vacant seats.
As the election approaches, all parties have been actively making announcements and commitments. Dinn and the NDP launched their campaign in Quidi Vidi, pledging to focus on job creation, affordable housing, and addressing the issue of expensive agency nurses. Wakeham has promised to invest in wildfire preparedness following a destructive wildfire season that caused widespread damage and evacuations.
Meanwhile, the Liberals have been busy announcing funding initiatives, such as approving a $25 million repayable loan to Braya Renewables, extending an electricity agreement with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, and expanding internet access in rural areas of Newfoundland.