Newfoundland and Labrador Votes Today: Key Issues and Candidates

UPDATE: Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador are heading to the polls today, October 14, 2023, to decide the province’s next government. With the Liberals in power for a decade, this election could mark a significant turning point. Here are the crucial issues to watch as results come in.

1. Will Newfoundland and Labrador voters seek change? The Liberal Party, led by John Hogan, has seen its dominance wane, winning just 19 of 40 seats in the legislature compared to the 31 seats they secured in 2015. Opposition leader Tony Wakeham of the Progressive Conservatives is framing the election as a referendum on the Liberals’ decade-long rule, asking voters to consider if their lives have improved under their governance. Meanwhile, Jim Dinn of the NDP believes the election will challenge the current leadership, making it a critical moment for change.

2. Will Labradorians elect the province’s first hijabi to the legislature? An inspiring candidate, Shazia Razi, is vying for a seat in Labrador West. Razi, who previously served on the town council, aims to advocate for better housing and healthcare in her community. If elected, she would become the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman in the provincial legislature. “Nothing comes easy in Labrador,” Razi stated, emphasizing the need for a strong voice in government. She is competing against Liberal candidate Todd Seward and Progressive Conservative Joseph Power.

3. Will controversy over a Quebec energy deal sway voters? A heated debate surrounds a tentative partnership with Quebec’s hydro utility, fueled by former Premier Danny Williams‘s campaign against the deal. Critics argue it fails to provide fair returns for Newfoundland and Labrador. Hogan has positioned this deal at the forefront of his campaign, promising financial gains that could bolster healthcare and education funding. In contrast, Wakeham plans to have the deal scrutinized by independent experts, a move stemming from lessons learned in past energy projects that went awry.

4. Will voter turnout exceed expectations? Today’s election marks the third time residents cast their ballots this year, following a federal election in April and municipal elections earlier this month. The 2021 provincial election saw a voter turnout of only 51 percent due to COVID-19 disruptions. With so much at stake, many are eager to see if this election will galvanize higher engagement.

As results begin to trickle in, the stakes have never been higher for Newfoundland and Labrador. The outcome will not only determine the province’s leadership but could also signal a broader shift in political sentiment. Stay tuned as we provide live updates on the unfolding election results.