Newfoundland and Labrador

2007 Newfoundland and Labrador General Election

Jay Makarenko — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:12:33 -0600

On October 9, 2007, Newfoundland and Labrador voters returned the provincial Progressive Conservative Party and Danny Williams to government. The election was a landslide victory for the PC Party, which won 43 of 46 seats in the provincial legislature and 69 percent of the popular vote. This article provides an overview of the 2007 election, including previous election results, pre-election party standings and polls, information on each major party’s leader and election platforms, and results of the election.

Newfoundland/Labrador Electoral Backgrounder

Previous elections and pre-election party standings/polls

Newfoundland/Labrador PC Party: 2007 Election Overview

Leader bio and election platform of the Progressive Conservative

Newfoundland/Labrador Liberal Party: 2007 Election Overview

Leader bio and election platform of the Liberals

Newfoundland/Labrador NDP: 2007 Election Overview

Leader bio and election platform of the New Democrats

Results of the 2007 Newfoundland and Labrador Election

Progressive Conservatives win a majority government

Sources and Links for More Information

Lists of article sources and links for more on this topic

Newfoundland/Labrador Electoral Backgrounder

Previous elections and pre-election party standings/polls

2003 General Election

The last provincial election was held in 2003, in which the Progressive Conservative Party won a majority government, with the Party’s leader, Danny Williams, becoming Premier. The Liberal Party came in second, forming the Official Opposition. Below is a summary of the election results, including popular votes and seats won for each party.

Results of 2003 Election

Political Parties	Popular Vote	Seats Won	Status
Progressive Conservatives	58.68%	34	Majority Government
Liberal Party	33.24%	12	Official Opposition
New Democratic Party	6.86%	02	-
Other	1.22%	-	-

Changes to Party Standings (2003-2007)

Since the 2003 general election, there have been several changes in the standings of the parties in the provincial legislature. These changes have arisen due to changes in party allegiances, as well as by-elections.

On May 5, 2005, Fabian Manning was ejected from the Progressive Conservative caucus after speaking out against his government’s production quota plan for the provincial crab industry (CBC, May 5, 2005). Manning subsequently sat in the legislature as an independent. In December 2005, he resigned his seat as an independent and retired from provincial politics, leading to a by-election in February of the same year. In that by-election, Felix Collins of the Progressive Conservative Party was elected.

On May 30, 2005, Liberal Party leader Roger Grimes resigned both his seat in the legislature and his Party’s leadership. Grimes cited personal reasons for his decision to retire (CBC, May 30, 2005). It is also important to note that the Liberal Party lost its majority government under his tenure as leader. In the subsequent by-election for Grimes’ seat, Clayton Foresey of the Progressive Conservative Party was elected.

In September 2006, New Democratic Party leader Jack Harris resigned his seat in the legislature, as well as his Party’s leadership. Harris cited the need to have a new NDP leader as his reason for resigning (CBC, October 28, 2005). In the subsequent by-election for Harris’ seat, Lorraine Michael of the New Democratic Party was elected.

In late-2006/early-2007, Loyola Sullivan and Jim Hoddler, both Progressive Conservative Party members, resigned their seats in the provincial legislature. Sullivan, who had been the Minister of Finance, cited personal reasons for his decision (CTV.ca, December 30, 2006). Hoddler, a backbencher, resigned due to ongoing health reasons (CBC, January 12, 2007). In subsequent by-elections, the Progressive Conservatives won both seats: Keith Hutchings won Sullivan’s former seat, and Tony Cornect won Hoddler’s.

In 2006, the provincial legislature was rocked by an audit scandal, in which several legislative members were alleged to have misused public funds. A host of resignations ensued. On January 1st, 2007, PC Party member Ed Byrne resigned his seat in the legislature. Byrne had been the Minister of Natural Resources under Premier Danny Williams. On January 19, 2007, Kathy Goudie, a Progressive Conservative backbencher, also resigned her seat amidst allegations of wrongdoing. In the subsequent by-elections, Byrne’s former seat was won by the Progressive Conservative candidate John Dinn, while Liberal candidate Dwight Ball was elected Goudie’s seat.

The audit scandal was not limited to the Progressive Conservative Party. In February 2007, Randy Collins of the New Democratic Party resigned his seat following allegations of wrongdoing, as well as Liberal member Wally Andersen in September 2007. In a subsequent by-election, PC Party member Jim Baker won Collin’s former seat. No by-election was held for Andersen’s seat.

Finally, in July 2007, Progressive Conservative Paul Shelley resigned his seat in the provincial legislature. Shelley had been the Minister of Tourism under Premier Williams’ government. He cited personal reasons for his decision to resign (CBC, January 19, 2007). No by-election was held for Shelley’s seat.

Party Standings Prior to the 2007 Election

Prior to the 2007 general election being called, party standings in the provincial legislature were as follows:

Political Party	Seats	Status in Assembly
Progressive Conservative Party	34	Government
Liberal Party	11	Official Opposition
New Democratic Party	1	Opposition party
Vacant	2	-

Pre-election Public Opinion Polls

Public opinion polls conducted prior to the 2007 general election have shown a considerable lead in the polls for the incumbent Progressive Conservative Party. Polls show PC Party support at around 70 percent; the Liberals range between 16 and 19 percent; and the New Democrats are at approximately seven percent.

For more information on Newfoundland and Labrador pre-election polling:

Newfoundland/Labrador PC Party: 2007 Election Overview

Leader bio and election platform of the Progressive Conservative

Danny Williams: Progressive Conservative Leader

Danny Williams is Progressive Conservative Party leader and Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Williams was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he studied political science and economics at Memorial University. He became a Rhodes Scholar in 1969 and received a degree in Arts in Law from Oxford University in England. Mr. Williams later received a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Prior to entering politics he practised law in Newfoundland and Labrador, was head of Cable Atlantic, President of the oil and gas company OIS Fisher, and owned and operated various golf courses and hotel resorts. In April 2001, he was elected leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party. He was first elected to the House of Assembly in June 2001. In the 2003 general election, the Progressive Conservative Party won a majority government, and Williams became the Premier.

PC Party 2007 Election Platform

The PC Party laid out its election platform in a party document titled Newfoundland and Labrador: Proud, Strong, Determined – The Future is Ours. Central to this platform is the idea that the province must stand on its own and exercise greater autonomy to achieve its rightful place in Confederation. The following summary highlights main points in the document.

For the full text of the PC Party’s 2007 election platform:

PC Party: Newfoundland and Labrador: Proud, Strong, Determined – The Future is Ours (PDF)

In the area of government reform, the Party is committed to:

Developing whistleblower legislation
Implementing revisions to reform procurement and capital works tendering policies through the Government Purchasing Agency
Surveying all Crown agencies with debt and investment portfolios to enforce sound management practices in accordance with the Transparency and Accountability Act.

In the area of intergovernmental relations, the Party promises to:

Achieve self-reliance within the federation of Canada
Continue to strive for fairness on the Atlantic Accord and Equalization, including the removal of nonrenewable resource revenues from equalization calculations
Demand that the Government of Canada situate more federal offices and jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador
Work to have a Supreme Court of Canada judge appointed from Newfoundland and Labrador.

In regard to government finances and taxation, the Party makes the following commitments:

Further develop our debt management strategy to continue to eliminate the debt and refinance existing debt with competitive rates
Allocate budget surpluses to pay down the public debt, thereby relieving the fiscal burden of interest payments and freeing fiscal resources for other initiatives, including tax relief.

In the area of communities, the Party promises to:

Continue to implement the Infrastructure Strategy to lay a strong foundation for rural and regional economic growth and stimulate job growth
Continue to implement the Island and Labrador transportation strategies to interconnect municipalities and regions
Work cooperatively with regional and zonal economic development boards on the development and implementation of economic diversification strategies to give each region a broadly-based foundation for commercial growth
Review the province’s municipal financing and debt management policies in consultation with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
Improve the province’s drinking water policies for its communities
Maintain the commitment that there will be no forced amalgamation of municipalities, but continue to work with municipalities on initiatives to share services regionally
Make communities safer through anti-crime programs such as establishing an AMBER Alert program to respond to child abductions, increase funding for crime stoppers, enhance the anti-drug campaigns for schools, increase the number of police officers, and develop a Newfoundland and Labrador e-crime unit.

In regard to the economy, the Party pledges to:

Continue to work cooperatively with the Canadian North Atlantic Marine Partnership (CANMAP) bidding team, which includes Marystown’s Peter Kiewit and Sons, in a concerted effort to win the federal Joint Support Ship (JSS) contract for the Burin Peninsula.
Annually review the province’s business tax environment to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador remains competitive.
Continue to implement and monitor the Red Tape Reduction Initiative to reduce barriers to economic investment and development.
Implement the new Export Development Strategy, which will include a suite of services, including counseling on effective export development approaches, commercial export strategy development, and the identification of new opportunities.
In association with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI), establish a process to provide guidance to enable Newfoundland and Labrador enterprises to become successful internet-based e-shopping vendors and marketers.
Implement the Provincial Investment Attraction Strategy to promote further business attraction, growth, and diversification.
Investigate emerging new niche markets that match the province’s unique skills, products and services, and position Newfoundland and Labrador businesses at the forefront of new opportunities.
Promote entrepreneurship by providing information, education, and support for young people interested in starting their own businesses.
Maintain support for the Ireland Business Partnerships, as expanded and refocused in 2005 with a mandate to identify, foster, and promote trade and partnership opportunities in business, education, and culture with the Republic of Ireland.
Pursue the development of a Memorandum of Understanding linking Iceland and Newfoundland and Labrador more closely for mutual economic benefit.
Maintain support for the New England Trade and Investment Initiative, and continue to promote trade opportunities through trade missions and communications linking Newfoundland and Labrador enterprises and institutions with other countries around the world.
For the fisheries, aid in the development of the aquaculture industry, pursue a Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Agreement to allow the province to work in cooperation with the federal government for the sustainable management of the fisheries, continue to implement the Canada - Newfoundland and Labrador Cod Recovery Strategy, establish an enhanced fisheries loan guarantee program to facilitate bank financing for those fishers wishing to take advantage of federal licensing policy changes, provide $1.5 million for a voluntary fish auction over three years, and through a Newfoundland and Labrador seafood marketing strategy, provide $3 million to enhance market research and promotion efforts over the next three years.
For the mining industry, work to attract secondary and tertiary mineral-based processing and manufacturing operations to Newfoundland and Labrador communities work with the project developers and Aboriginal communities to accelerate the development of underground mining at the Voisey’s Bay site, and explore opportunities to develop the province’s uranium resources.
In the energy sector, implement the Energy Plan (which includes establishing the province as an energy warehouse in eastern North America), continue to seek jurisdictional ownership and effective control of petroleum and other resources in waters adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador, and work with communities on the west, south, and north coasts and the regions of Labrador to ensure they are prepared to take maximum advantage of opportunities and reap economic and employment benefits associated with the exploration and development of petroleum resources.

In the area of health care, the Party commits to the following:

Develop a wait-time management plan that is provincially coordinated and focused on wait time reduction, monitoring and improving timely access
Purchase a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, a powerful medical diagnostic tool that, by enabling early diagnosis, can lead to early treatment and disease prevention
Commit to a redevelopment of hospitals in St. John’s for enhanced acute care services
Commit to build a new acute care hospital in Corner Brook at a cost of $150 million
Through a $15-million expansion and $11.75 million in new annual operational costs, expand the number of spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador medical students at the Memorial University Medical School by 10 percent in the coming year and 30 percent within the next five years, bringing enrolment from the current 60 up to 66 next year and to 78 within five years
Through a $4-million investment, expand the number of spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador nursing students
Eliminate ambulance fee charges for inter-facility transfers at an estimated cost of $750,000
Promote healthy living through such initiatives as the Provincial Wellness Plan, the Healthy Eating in School Program, expanding the Born a Non-smoker Plan, and implement the Recreation and Sport Strategy.

Regarding education, the Party promises to:

Expand access to consistent early childhood education to all families, including those in remote regions, low-income families, and others throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
Establish five-year literacy and numeracy targets in Newfoundland and Labrador schools
Expand distance education opportunities, increase distance education support to schools and enhance broadband connectivity to rural and remote schools
Fully implement the Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology Program, which focuses on skilled trades applications at the senior high level
Further expand the Information, Communication and Learning Technologies (ICLT) project to enable more students to apply the internet to learning in the classroom
Extend the tuition freeze at Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic for four years, with an investment of $56 million
Implement the Student Loan Debt Relief program, which enables students to receive up-front needs-based grants to offset their borrowing costs and reduce the interest on provincial student loan debts to prime
Provide for new student residences at Memorial University’s St. John’s and Grenfell campuses, for which funding was allocated in the 2007-08 budget
Aid those entering the trades by providing a $500 tax rebate to help apprentices purchase new equipment, as well as establishing a journeyperson mentorship program.

In addition to these commitments, the PC Party also proposes several initiatives in the areas of economic and community development in Labrador, the promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador culture and cultural industries, senior care, and Aboriginal policy.

Newfoundland/Labrador Liberal Party: 2007 Election Overview

Leader bio and election platform of the Liberals

Gary Reid: Liberal Party Leader

Gerald (Gerry) Reid, one of six children, was born in 1954 in Carbonear. Mr. Reid attended James Moore High School before attending Memorial University, where he earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master’s in Philosophy. It was during this time that Mr. Reid became active in politics, including serving one term as President of the Memorial Liberal Association. After he graduated from Memorial University, Mr. Reid accepted a teaching position at Coaker Academy on New World Island. During this time he became involved in municipal politics, serving as a City Councillor in Summerford for three years. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Reid served as Executive Assistant to two provincial Fisheries Ministers: the Honourable Walter Carter and the Honourable Dr. Bud Hulan. In 1996, Mr. Reid was elected to the provincial legislature. During his term in office, he has served as Government Whip and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. In 2005, he was appointed Liberal Party leader. Mr. Reid and his wife Cathy have two sons.

Liberal Party 2007 Election Platform

The Liberal Party’s 2007 election platform is laid out in a party document titled People…Progress…Prosperity! The central theme of the platform is the need to invest in the province’s people in order to grow and prosper. The following provides highlights of the document.

For the full text of the Liberal Party’s 2007 election platform:

Liberal Party: People…Progress…Prosperity! (PDF)

In the area of taxation and government finances, the Party promises to do the following:

Eliminate the special 15 percent tax on insurance
Reduce the provincial tax on gasoline and home heating taxes
Eliminate the Harmonized Sales Tax (a provincial-federal sales tax) on funeral expenses
Review the province’s fee structure for such things as motor vehicle registration
Continue review of the personal income tax structure
Develop a plan to pay down the provincial debt while maintaining prosperity.

In regard to the provincial economy, the Party makes the following commitments:

Targeted tax breaks for business
Establish a major marketing initiative to attract business firms
Create a Department of Economic Development
Revitalize and expand the Edge Program in order to provide more investment opportunities in the province
Invest in a graving dock for the Burin Peninsula in order to improve the facility’s competitiveness in shipbuilding
Expanding the technology sector
Provide funding for cultural and tourism industries, including investments in tourism infrastructure, regional event sponsorships and promotion funding, and expand the provinces eco-tourism potential
Reform the fishery industry through such initiatives as the creation of a Seafood Marketing Council, government programs to encourage diversification in the fisheries (with particular focus on aquaculture), create an Exploratory Development Fund to help harvesters purchase gear for use in underutilized fisheries, and repeal of the Raw Material Sharing legislation
Help the mining industry by ensuring a stable and consistent policy and taxation framework, and strengthen the Mineral Incentives Program
Pursue a royalty system in the oil and gas industry, as opposed to taking an equity stake in oil and gas projects, and institute initiatives to grow new exploration.

In the area of rural development, the Party promises to:

Establish a Prosperity Fund in which a percentage of oil and gas revenue will be directed towards rural development
Strengthen rural services, particularly in the areas of education and health care
Establish a Department of Rural Sustainability
Institute rural cell phone service
Provide grants of $5,000 for volunteer fire departments.

The Party also makes several commitments in regard to health care:

Recruit and retain more health care professionals
Provide a student loan rebate program for health care professionals
Acquire a PET Scan for cancer patients
Establish a province-wide 911 emergency service
Expand travel coverage for medical procedures
Re-evaluate the size of health care boards
Appoint patient advocates
Increase availability of heart defibrillators
Remove the HST on home care services and reduce home care wait times
Increase wages for home care support workers
Introduce overtime incentives for health care workers
Reduce ambulance fees
Improve health care communications system
Reduce wait times.

In the field of education, the Party makes the following commitments:

For early childhood education, fight to reinstate the 2005 agreement signed with the federal government to develop a comprehensive early child development program (the agreement was unilaterally terminated by the federal Conservative government in 2006).
For primary and secondary education, provide appropriate technology to all high schools, expand support staff for teachers, and create pre-apprenticeship programs for students in the trades.
For post-secondary education, institute a 25 percent tuition reduction, improve the financial grant system and student housing, expand Memorial University’s medical school, provide tax relief for post-secondary graduates, and examine the possibility of introducing an interest-free student loan system for students.

In regard to environmental policy, the Party promises to:

Develop a comprehensive green plan for the province based on public consultation
Institute “green” procurement measures for government
Work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Improve public and mass transit in the province
Improve enforcement of environmental regulations.

In the area of government reform, the Party commits to the following:

Make government spending more transparent by posting legislature members’ travel and entertainment claims on the Internet
Introducing legislative review committees
Instituting whistleblower legislation to protect individuals who report government wrongdoings.

In addition to these commitments, the Liberal Party also proposes several initiatives in the areas of senior care, ensuring opportunities for women, working with Aboriginal peoples, fighting poverty, fighting addictions, and building and maintaining provincial infrastructure.

Newfoundland/Labrador NDP: 2007 Election Overview

Leader bio and election platform of the New Democrats

Lorraine Michael: New Democratic Party Leader

Lorraine Michael was born in St. John’s, and raised in the Lebanese community. Her educational achievements include degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Toronto. Michael began her career as a high school teacher on Bell Island, subsequently becoming a school principal in the Roman Catholic School Board system. She also worked as a teacher in Baie Verte, the Burin Peninsula, and the Codroy Valley. She is also known as a social activist and feminist committed to gender, racial, social, and economic justice. In this context, she has served as Director of the Office of Social Action in St. John’s, Chair of the Women’s Work Campaign for the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, Executive Director of Women in Resource Development Committee, and an Innu Nation nominee sitting on the Voisey’s Bay Environmental Assessment Panel. She was selected leader of the provincial New Democratic Party in May 2006.

New Democratic Party 2007 Election Platform

The NDP have outlined their 2007 election platform in a party document titled Bringing Your Voice to the House of Assembly. The document’s central idea is the need for a strong NDP voice in the legislature to create a fairer and more just Newfoundland and Labrador. The following provides some highlights of key commitments in the document.

For the full text of the NDP 2007 election platform:

NDP: Bringing Your Voice to the House of Assembly (PDF)

In area of health care, the NDP will call for:

An external review of regional health authorities in the province, with an assessment of their effectiveness in ensuring appropriate health services
A universal pharmacare program for all residents, with coverage for equipment and medication
A publicly funded and delivered home care and home support system that will provide quality care, fair wages, and proper training for home care workers
A publicly managed ambulance service across the province with standardized training and fair wages, to ensure that the province’s residents have reliable emergency services
Extension of 911 services to all areas of the province
More doctors, nurses, and front-line health care professionals
A rural medical services fund to fill vacancies when doctors need relief in rural areas.

In the context of economic policy, the NDP will push for the following:

Have Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro increase access to power in rural areas, which will encourage investment in the province and new industries to locate here
Designate more land tracts specifically for value-added forestry, and implement a value-added wood harvesting strategy
Create a public corporation to identify new markets and products for the fishery industry, and assist small and medium-sized companies to develop new value added products for export
Implement a fuel rebate to fishing enterprises to strengthen their economic viability
Develop strategies to strengthen and promote the shipbuilding industry
Eliminate taxes on small business insurance.

In the area of communities and rural development, the Party advocates the following:

A public, universal childcare program which assures healthier children and enables more parents to work
Protection of agricultural lands from commercial, industrial, and residential development; improved strategies for local and food production and agricultural exports, to make optimum use of the province’s agricultural lands
Regional planning boards using an integrated management model (government, arms-length science, and public participation)
Investment, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), in more affordable housing units to address the severe lack of affordable housing throughout the province
Adequate shelter housing throughout the province for homeless youth, single adults, families, and those escaping family violence
Increased grants to rural municipalities for social and physical infrastructure
An affordable and accessible public transportation network in rural areas (buses, subsidies to private taxis, etc.)
Extended high-speed Internet service to all communities
Income replacement and training for those affected by job losses in rural communities; if the largest employer in a community closes, its workers should not be abandoned.

In the area of taxation, the NDP calls for:

A taxation system that eliminates unfair taxes and puts more money into the hands of families and lower-income people
A ban on taxes for home heating fuels and electricity, insurance, health-related services such as home care, funeral expenses, and books
Taxation of high-priced luxury items such as luxury vehicles, precious gems and furs
Increasing tax rates paid by large, out-of-province corporations conducting business in Newfoundland and Labrador
Increasing the numbers of people who do not pay income tax by raising the ceiling for taxable income
Increasing the rate of taxation for the very wealthiest.

In the area of the environment, the Party supports the following:

A public corporation to deliver energy efficiency and conservation programs
A home energy, commercial, and institutional retrofit program which would be cost-shared according to income
One hundred per cent replacement of the government fleet with low-emission vehicles; assistance to help non-profit organizations purchase low-emission vehicles
Regulations and incentives for commercial and consumer purchase of energy-saving products
Regulatory, technical, and financial assistance to small-scale, locally controlled renewable energy projects that generate jobs, skills, and profits for communities
Immediately installing scrubbers and precipitators to reduce emissions from the Holyrood thermal generating station
Protection of sensitive ecosystems that foster diversity by implementing the Protected Areas System Plan; remediation programs for streams that flood excessively due to human activity
The forestry industry to adopt sustainable harvesting practices as proposed by the Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union for a green forest industry
A provincial waste management and recycling program with better government support by 2010.

In the area of education, the Party calls for:

More teachers and assistants in the classroom
Classrooms that are not overcrowded, so students can get help when they need it
Properly maintained schools to ensure a safe, healthy environment for the province’s children
A universal school lunch and nutrition program to provide all students with the healthy, nourishing meals they need to learn properly
More student assistants for students with special needs so they have an equal opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities
Increased school resource budgets to give teachers the resources they need; schools should not have to fundraise for essential items; teachers should not have to pay for supplies from their own pockets
A review of the structure of school boards to ensure adequate input and representation from parents and funding for schools
A special advocate to deal with student debt repayment issues in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that the debt students accumulate can be repaid fairly
Free tuition for public post-secondary students
Needs-based grants for all students so that the opportunity to learn is there for everyone, not just those from higher-income families
Reduced interest rates on student loans as a step toward implementing a comprehensive debt forgiveness program
Increased provincial government funding of post-secondary education to counter federal cuts, along with a demand that the federal government increase education spending to pay its share for the province’s post-secondary system

In addition to these commitments, the NDP also proposes several initiatives in the areas of workers’ issues, poverty, seniors, women’s equality, helping persons with disabilities, and adult literacy.

Results of the 2007 Newfoundland and Labrador Election

Progressive Conservatives win a majority government

In the 2007 general election, the provincial Progressive Conservatives won a huge majority government, taking 43 of 46 seats in the provincial legislature and 69 percent of the popular vote (CBC, October 9, 2007). This represented a large increase of the Party’s results in the 2003 general election, in which the Tory’s won 34 seats and 58 percent of the vote. The provincial Liberal Party came in second in the 2007 election, forming the Official Opposition. The Liberals won just 3 seats and 21 percent of the vote. The New Democratic Party managed to win one seat in legislature, and 8 percent of the vote.

Sources and Links for More Information

Lists of article sources and links for more on this topic

Sources Used for this Article

“Newfoundland and Labrador 2007.” CBC. 09 October 2007. 10 October 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/nlvotes2007/>
“Manning Ejected from Tory Caucus.” CBC. 05 May 2005. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2005/05/05/nf-manning-caucus-050505.html>
“Grimes Resigns from Political Life.” CBC. 30 May 2005. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2005/05/30/nf-grimes-future-0505.html>
“Harris Stepping Down as NDP Leader.” CBC. 28 October 2005. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2005/10/28/nf_harris_future_20051028.html>
“Health Worries Prompt 3rd Retirement from Tory Caucus.” CBC. 12 January 2007. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/01/12/hodder-retire.html>
“Spending Scandal Rocks Province’s Political Scene.” CBC. 08 July 2006. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/audit-scandal/>
“Williams Shuffles Cabinet Heading into N.L. Election Stretch.” CBC. 18 January 2007. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/01/19/cabinet-changes.html>
“Double-billing Report was Factor in Quitting: Goudie.” CBC. 19 January 2007. 24 September 2007. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/01/19/goudie-resign.html>
“Loyola Sullivan Quits Newfoundland Politics.” CTV.ca. 30 December 2006. 24 September 2007. <http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061230/Loyola_Sullivan_061230/20061230?hub=Politics>
“Members of the House.” House of Assembly, Newfoundland and Labrador. 24 September 2007. http://www.hoa.gov.nl.ca/hoa/members/
“Newfoundland and Labrador: Proud, Strong, Determined – The Future is Ours.” Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. 24 September 2007. <http://www.pcparty.nf.net/blueprint2007.pdf>
“People…Progress…Prosperity.” Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. 24 September 2007. < http://www.nlliberals.ca/press/platformchapters.pdf>
“Bringing Your Voice to the House of Assembly.” New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. 24 September 2007. < http://www.nl.ndp.ca/NDPCampaign2007.pdf>

Links for More Information

Newfoundland and Labrador Election Info

Jay Makarenko — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:21:13 -0600

2007 Election Results & Current Party Standings


Political Parties	2007	Voter %	Current
Progressive Conservative	44	69.56	44
Liberal	3	21.98	3
New Democratic	1	8.21	1
Other	0	0.25	0

Leader Profiles

Related Features and Cartoons [block:block=7] ##Important Links

Lorraine Michael

Greg Farries — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:33:17 -0600

Early Beginnings and Educational Achievements

Lorraine Michael was born in St. John’s, and raised in the Lebanese community. Her educational achievements include degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Toronto.

Pre-Political Life

Michael was a nun until she left the Roman Catholic Church in 1993 over conflicts with the local Archdiocese, including the Archdiocese’s handling of an alleged sexual assault case.

Michael began her career as a high school teacher on Bell Island, subsequently becoming a school principal in the Roman Catholic School Board system. She also worked as a teacher in Baie Verte, the Burin Peninsula, and the Codroy Valley.

She is best known as a social activist and feminist committed to gender, racial, social, and economic justice. In her work as Director of the Office of Social Action in St. John’s, Michael represented the Roman Catholic Archdiocese on several regional and national coalitions for social justice. She furthered her work with gender-based analysis and research on an international level as she studied the effects of globalization on women’s work.

It was Michael’s work with the Toronto-based Ecumenical Coalition for Economic Justice (ECEJ) that took her to forums in Mexico, Chile, and Zimbabwe as a speaker on economic globalization. She has also coordinated the administrative and program affairs of feminist organizations. Michael served as Chair of the Women’s Work Campaign for the National Action Committee on the Status of Women and, for a period, served as the committee’s Interim Executive Director. Additionally, Michael served as Executive Director of Women in Resource Development Committee; in that capacity she worked to achieve employment equity in the natural resource department sectors in the province by consulting with industry, labour, government, and educators.

As an Innu Nation nominee sitting on the Voisey’s Bay Environmental Assessment Panel from 1997 to 1999, Ms. Michael brought a strong socio-economic analysis to discussions pertaining to the proposed Voisey’s Bay nickel mine development.

Michael has also been involved in a number of other policy committees.

Political Life

During the New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador Party’s convention on May 28, 2006, Michael won the leadership and took over from outgoing leader Jack Harris, MHA. She easily defeated writer Nina Patey, winning 107 votes to Patey’s 5.

Personal and Community Life

When Michael is not working, her passion is music. She enjoys playing the piano, and is a member of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.

Gerry Reid

Greg Farries — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:33:01 -0600

Early Beginnings and Educational Achievements

Gerald (Gerry) Reid, one of six children, was born in 1954 in Carbonear. Reid attended James Moore High School before attending Memorial University, where he earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master’s in Philosophy. It was during this time that Reid became active in politics, including serving one term as President of the Memorial Liberal Association.

Pre-Political Life

After Reid graduated from Memorial University, he accepted a teaching position at Coaker Academy on New World Island. During this time he became involved in municipal politics, serving as a City Councillor in Summerford for three years. From 1989 to 1996, Reid served as Executive Assistant to two provincial Fisheries Ministers: the Honourable Walter Carter and the Honourable Dr. Bud Hulan. The experience gained through his collective experience provided Reid with considerable knowledge of both the fishing industry and government.

Political Life

In February 1996, Reid secured his bid to become a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for the District of Twillingate-Fogo, one of the province’s largest districts. Three years later, in February 1999, Reid was re-elected, and subsequently named Government Whip, as well as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. In February 2001, Reid was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, a position he held for two years. On October 21, 2003, Reid was re-elected in the provincial general election, but the Liberals were defeated. He then served as the Opposition Fisheries and Education Critic until his appointment by the party as Leader of the Official Opposition, on June 1, 2005. On June 10, 2006, Gerry Reid was ratified as leader by the party membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Gander, where Reid received a strong endorsement.

Personal and Community Life

Gerry Reid currently resides in St. John’s with his wife Cathy. They have two sons, Matthew and Lucas.

Danny Williams

Greg Farries — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:32:44 -0600

Danny Williams is the ninth premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and leader of the province's Progressive Conservative Party. He is the Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for the riding of Humber West.

In the provincial election held October 9, 2007, Williams and his PC Party won nine more seats than in the preceding election, securing 70 percent of the popular vote - the highest percentage the Party has ever achieved. Williams' approval rate (as high as 86 percent in March 2005, and 85 percent in March 2008) has consistently ranked among the highest of any Canadian politician.

Under Williams' leadership, the province has seen unprecedented prosperity thanks to offshore oil projects (for example, the Hebron Oil Field deal was announced just before the 2007 provincial election). At the time of writing, the government had just released its budget, which included tax cuts and fee reductions, and initiatives to reduce poverty, develop knowledge-based industries and strengthen health care within the province. An inquiry into pervasive misdiagnosis of breast cancer in the province has garnered significant attention, both in the province and nationally.

In the October 21, 2003 provincial election, the PC Party won 34 of 48 seats; Williams was sworn in as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador on November 6, 2003. He has also held cabinet posts, serving as Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Business. Williams has been PC Party leader since April 2001. In a by-election held in June 2001, he was elected MHA for Humber West, and became the leader of the Official Opposition.

Williams has made national headlines more than once for his opposition to the federal government. In the past, he was at odds with the federal Liberal government over the province's offshore oil revenues. However, in late January 2005, Williams and Prime Minister Paul Martin reached a deal that revised the offshore royalty formula. More recently, he was at odds with the federal Conservative government and Prime Minister Stephen Harper over the 2007 federal budget which contained provisions for a new equalization formula.

Williams had a diverse career before politics. He practiced law in the province beginning in 1972, and was appointed to Queen's Counsel in 1984. He also played a central role in the development of cable television in Newfoundland, until Rogers Communications purchased Cable Atlantic. Williams also served as President of OIS Fisher, an offshore oil and gas company. Additionally, he helped found, and served as President of, the St. John's Junior Hockey League; he was also instrumental in bringing the St. John's Maple Leafs AHL team to the city.

Williams was born in St. John's on August 4, 1949. He attended Gonzaga High School and St. Bonaventure's College. He continued his post-secondary education at Memorial University of Newfoundland where he studied political science and economics. Williams was awarded a Rhodes scholarship in 1969, which he used to earn a degree in Arts in Law from Oxford University. After completing his studies, Williams returned to Canada and earned a Law Degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

He is married to Maureen Power. They have four children, Jillian, Daniel, Jane, and Katie, and two grandchildren, Abbigayle and Gabriel. Williams has served on several community boards, including the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Parliamentary Channel, the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, and the Provincial Government Offshore Oil Impact Advisory Council. Williams has also been involved with Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Iris Kirby House, and the Arthritis Society.

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador General Election

Jay Makarenko — Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0600

On October 21, 2003, voters in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador elected the provincial Progressive Conservative Party to a majority government, with Danny Williams becoming the province’s new premier. In the election, the Progressive Conservatives soundly defeated the provincial Liberal Party, which had been in government prior to the election. This article provides an overview of previous election results, pre-election party standings and polls, information on each major party’s leader and election platforms, as well as a summary of the election results.

Newfoundland and Labrador Electoral Backgrounder

Previous elections and pre-election party standings/polls

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party

Leader and policies of the Liberal Party

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party

Leader and policies of the Progressive Conservative Party

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party

Leader and policies of the New Democratic Party

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Election Results

Liberal Party wins a majority government

Sources and Links for More Information

Lists of article sources and links for more on this topic

Newfoundland and Labrador Electoral Backgrounder

Previous elections and pre-election party standings/polls

1999 General Election

The last general provincial election was held in 1999. In that election, the Liberal Party won a majority government with 32 seats in the House of Assembly and 49.7 percent of the popular vote. The Progressive Conservative Party came in second, with 14 seats, forming the Official Opposition. The following provides a summary of results for the 1999 general election.

1999 General Election Results
Party	Seats	% Vote	Standing
Liberal Party	32	49.7	Majority Government
Progressive Conservative Party	14	40.8	Official Opposition
New Democratic Party	2	8.2

Provincial By-Elections (1999-2003)

Since 1999, there have been seven by-elections. The Progressive Conservatives won five of the seven by-elections, while the Liberals won two.

For more information on the province’s by-elections between 1999 and 2003:

Party Standings Prior to Dissolution

Prior to the 2003 general election, the party standings in the provincial House of Assembly were as follows:

Party	Seats	Standing
Liberal Party	27	Majority Government
Progressive Conservative Party	19	Official Opposition
New Democratic Party	2

Pre-election Public Opinion Polls

On September 2, 2003, the research firm Corporate Research Associates released several polls on public opinion in Newfoundland and Labrador. The polls showed a large lead for the Progressive Conservative Party. Below are some of the findings of the Corporate Research Associates’ public opinion poll.

If a provincial election were held today in Newfoundland and Labrador, for which party would you vote?

	Feb/Mar 2003	May 2003	Aug 2003
Liberal Party	39%	39%	36%
Progressive Conservative Party	50%	52%	54%
New Democratic Party	5%	5%	6%

How satisfied are you with the overall performance of the Provincial Government led by Premier Roger Grimes?

	Feb/Mar 2003	May 2003	Aug 2003
Completely satisfied	7%	7%	6%
Mostly satisfied	49%	50%	47%
Mostly dissatisfied	26%	24%	27%
Completely dissatisfied	12%	15%	14%

Which one of the following individuals would you most prefer as premier of Newfoundland and Labrador?

	Feb/Mar 2003	May 2003	Aug 2003
Roger Grimes	30%	36%	27%
Danny Williams	47%	51%	52%
Jack Harris	7%	5%	6%

Survey Information: Sample: 802 Newfoundland and Labrador Residents (18 years plus); August 15 to August 23, 2003; Margin of Sampling Error: +3.5 percent (95% confidence level)
Source: Corporate Research Associates

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party

Leader and policies of the Liberal Party

Leader of the Provincial Liberal Party

Roger Grimes is the Liberal Party leader and Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Grimes was born in 1950 in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland. He has a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education and a Master’s in Education from Memorial University. Prior to entering politics, Mr. Grimes was a math, physical and chemistry teacher. He also served as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association. Mr. Grimes was first elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 1989. He served as Parliamentary Assistant to then Premier Clyde Wells. From 1990 to 2001, he served as Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Minister of Education, Minister of Mines and Energy, and Minister of Health. In 2001, he was sworn in as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Provincial Liberal Party Platform

In September 2003, the Liberal Party released a detailed platform document titled “Take a Closer Look.” This plan reflects the fundamental idea that the province can continue to grow and prosper by investing in people. Highlights of the platform are as follows:

Economic Policy: The Liberal Party stresses its past success in providing for a strong economy, including GDP and real income growth in the province. New initiatives promised include increasing the viability and sustainability of the fisheries, pursuing new opportunities in agriculture and forestry, providing tax incentives for small businesses and investment, establishing a regional economic development fund in cooperation with the federal government, and developing a broadband internet strategy.

Health care: Greater investment in health care, including a new drug program for seniors based on income, greater spending to expand and replace equipment and infrastructure, commitment to substantially reduce waiting lists, and pushing the federal government to increase federal payments to provincial healthcare systems.

Education: With respect to primary and secondary education, the Liberal Party is committed to a review of the high school curriculum, more spending on tools needed by teachers in the classroom, and the reduction of school fees for books and supplies currently charged to parents. The Liberal Party promises to make post-secondary education more affordable by lowering the eligibility threshold for financial assistance. The Party is also committed to introducing a tax break for students who stay in the province after graduation and are employed in professions with skill shortages or in under-serviced areas. The plan will allow students to write off their student loan debt over a five- to ten-year period.

Rural Development: The Party is committed to a strategic plan that ensures that all regions share in the province’s economic recovery. This involves a focus on rural economic diversity and small business development. It will be built on cooperation with regional development boards to ensure that programs are consistent with the priorities of the people.

Government: Commitment to reforms that provide greater accountability in government, strengthen democracy in the province, and improve the justice system.

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party

Leader and policies of the Progressive Conservative Party

Leader of the Provincial Progressive Conservative Party

Danny Williams is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and Leader of the Official Opposition. Mr. Williams was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He studied political science and economics at Memorial University in Newfoundland. He became a Rhodes Scholar in 1969 and received a degree in Arts in Law from Oxford University in England. Mr. Williams later received a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Prior to entering politics he practised law in Newfoundland and Labrador, was head of Cable Atlantic, President of the oil and gas company OIS Fisher, and owned and operated various golf courses and hotel resorts. In April 2001, he was elected Leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party. He was first elected to the House of Assembly in June 2001.

Provincial Progressive Conservative Party Platform

The Progressive Conservative platform is outlined in the PC Blue Book, which was first introduced in the 1999 general election. Key points of the Blue Book include:

Economic policy: Propel economic growth in the province by reducing taxes, providing support to small- and medium-sized business growth, and targeting specific industries (in particular information technology, tourism, fisheries, and natural resources.

Resource management: Commitment to sustainable development that generates maximum revenues and employment and maintains a healthy environment.

Government reform: Commitment to greater government accountability and transparency. Also advocates parliamentary reform, government ethics, and electoral financing reform.

Rural revitalization: Committed to rural revitalization, including economic stimulation through tax cuts, provision of loans and grants to businesses, and greater investment in education and health care in rural areas.

Fisheries: In addition to the Blue Book, the PC Party has set forth a policy on the fisheries. The Party will aggressively pursue a Canada-Newfoundland Fisheries Agreement. The Agreement will provide a joint decision-making process to give the Newfoundland and Labrador a meaningful say in decisions regarding fisheries management that have a major impact on our economy and social fabric.

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party

Leader and policies of the New Democratic Party

Leader of the Provincial NDP Party

Jack Harris is the leader of the New Democratic Party. Mr. Harris was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1948. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and received degrees in law from the University of Alberta and the London School of Economics. Mr. Harris was first elected to federal politics as a NDP Member of Parliament in 1987. Following his defeat at the federal level in 1988, he ran and was elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly in 1990. Mr. Harris has been leader of the NDP since 1992.

Provincial NDP Party Platform

The New Democratic Party platform stresses the party’s commitment to democratic socialism. Highlights of the party’s platform are as follows:

Education: Focus on making schools safe, healthy and free. This includes a universal school meal and nutrition program, a mandatory anti-bullying program, a re-examination of the criteria for school bus access, a full-day Kindergarten, and the elimination of all primary and secondary school fees. Regarding post-secondary education, the NDP is committed to creating a system that prevents students from graduating with crippling debt.

Health care: Commit to implementing a program that will bring prescription drug coverage in the province to the same level of other Canadian provinces. This includes expanding the existing program to include drugs needed for diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Social Policy: Raise the minimum wage, pay equity legislation for women, affordable and accessible housing, and an end to the privatization of public services.

Energy Policy: Reject the deregulation of energy. The NDP is committed to creating a new public energy corporation that would include energy generation and distribution systems. The purpose of this policy is to maintain affordable energy rates in the province and provide the public with a greater ability to control energy industry development and profits.

Auto Insurance: The NDP proposes a public insurance system modeled on the highly successful BC public system. Such a system would be mandatory, universal, and managed by the government.

2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Election Results

Progressive Conservative Party wins a majority government

The Progressive Conservative party won a majority government, with Danny Williams becoming Premier. Below is a summary of the election results, including popular votes and seats won for each party.

Results of 2003 Election

Political Parties	Popular Vote	Seats Won	Status
Progressive Conservatives	58.68%	34	Majority Government
Liberal Party	33.24%	12	Official Opposition
New Democratic Party	06.86%	02	-
Other	1.22%	-	-

Sources and Links for More Information

Lists of article sources and links for more on this topic