What Is 21st New Brunswick general election

Overview

The 21st New Brunswick general election marked a pivotal shift in the province’s political landscape, held on September 24, 2018. For the first time in Canadian provincial history, a Green Party won seats, signaling growing voter support for environmental platforms.

This election resulted in a hung parliament, with no single party securing a majority. The outcome led to a minority government and raised questions about coalition-building and governance stability.

• Thirty-eight seats were up for election across New Brunswick’s 49 electoral districts, with the Progressive Conservatives winning 22 and the Liberals 21.
• The Green Party, led by David Coon, won 3 seats, making it the first Green Party to gain representation in a Canadian provincial legislature.
• Voter turnout was 48.6%, down from 54.3% in the 2014 election, reflecting declining public engagement.
• Incumbent Premier Brian Gallant led the Liberals, who lost their majority but remained the second-largest party in the legislature.
• Blaine Higgs became Premier after the Progressive Conservatives formed a minority government with confidence-and-supply support from the opposition.

How It Works

The New Brunswick general election follows a first-past-the-post system, where each riding elects one Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). The party with the most seats typically forms government, though exceptions occur in minority or hung parliaments.

• Term: Provincial general elections in New Brunswick are held every four years, but the Premier can request an early election. The 2018 election was called just four years after the 2014 vote.
• The 2018 election was administered by Elections New Brunswick, an independent agency ensuring fair and transparent voting procedures across all ridings.
• Each of the 49 electoral districts uses a single-member plurality system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they secure a majority.
• Parties must register with Elections New Brunswick and file financial disclosures, with campaign spending capped at $1.4 million per party.
• Advance voting was available over five days, and 138,000 voters cast ballots early, representing about 30% of total turnout.
• Mail-in ballots were introduced for the first time in 2018, though they accounted for less than 1% of total votes due to strict eligibility rules.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2018 election results with previous years highlights significant shifts in voter behavior and party strength.

The 2018 election stands out due to the fragmented results and the emergence of the Green Party as a legislative force. Unlike the 2010 and 2014 elections, which produced clear majorities, 2018 required negotiation and compromise, setting a precedent for future minority governments.

Why It Matters

The 2018 election reshaped New Brunswick’s political dynamics and demonstrated the potential for smaller parties to influence policy and governance. Its implications extend beyond provincial borders, offering a model for Green Party success in other Canadian provinces.

• The Green Party’s 3 seats gave them official party status, allowing greater influence in legislative debates and committee assignments.
• A minority government required the Progressive Conservatives to negotiate with opposition parties on key budgets and legislation, increasing transparency and accountability.
• The election highlighted urban-rural divides, with Greens performing strongly in Fredericton and Liberals holding Saint John, while PCs dominated rural ridings.
• It spurred discussions about electoral reform, including ranked ballots and proportional representation, to better reflect voter preferences.
• David Coon’s leadership demonstrated that environmental issues could gain mainstream political traction in traditionally resource-dependent provinces.
• The outcome influenced the 2020 election, where Blaine Higgs campaigned on stability and won a majority with 27 seats.

Ultimately, the 21st New Brunswick general election was a turning point that underscored the evolving nature of Canadian provincial politics and the growing importance of diverse political voices.