What Is 36th New Brunswick general election

Overview

The 36th New Brunswick general election took place on September 24, 2018, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s political landscape. It was the first time since 1920 that no party secured a majority of seats, resulting in a hung parliament.

This outcome forced unprecedented negotiations and coalition considerations in modern New Brunswick politics. The election reshaped governance dynamics and highlighted shifting voter preferences across urban and rural regions.

• 22 seats were won by the Progressive Conservative Party, just short of the 25 needed for a majority.
• The Liberal Party, previously in power, dropped to 21 seats, losing its governing status after one term.
• The Green Party made historic gains, winning 3 seats—the first time Greens formed part of a provincial legislature in Atlantic Canada.
• Independent candidate Kris Austin won his seat in Fredericton-Grand Lake, later forming the People's Alliance with another MLA.
• Voter turnout was 55.6%, reflecting modest engagement compared to previous provincial elections.

How It Works

New Brunswick’s electoral system follows a first-past-the-post model, where the candidate with the most votes in each riding wins a seat in the Legislative Assembly.

• Term: Provincial elections in New Brunswick are constitutionally required every five years, but the Premier can request an early dissolution. The 36th election was called after the 2014 mandate expired.
• The Legislative Assembly consists of 49 seats, each representing a single-member riding across the province.
• Parties must win 25 seats to form a majority government; otherwise, a minority or coalition government may emerge.
• Following the election, the Lieutenant Governor invited the leader of the largest party, Blaine Higgs, to form government.
• The Progressive Conservatives governed with confidence from the People's Alliance, relying on their 3 additional seats for support on key votes.
• Minority governments require ongoing negotiation and are subject to confidence votes, increasing legislative accountability.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of seat distribution and party performance in the 2018 election:

The table illustrates a fragmented political landscape, with four parties winning representation. The rise of smaller parties like the Greens and People's Alliance signaled voter demand for alternatives to traditional two-party dominance. This shift challenged governance norms and increased the importance of cross-party collaboration.

Why It Matters

The 36th New Brunswick election had lasting implications for provincial governance and democratic engagement. It demonstrated the viability of third parties and reshaped policy priorities in a minority legislature.

• The minority government led to more frequent legislative negotiations and increased scrutiny of government bills.
• The Green Party’s breakthrough encouraged environmental policy discussions in a traditionally resource-focused province.
• Coalition dynamics between the PCs and People's Alliance raised questions about accountability and transparency.
• Voters in rural ridings showed stronger support for progressive conservatives, while urban centers leaned liberal and green.
• The election prompted calls for electoral reform, including ranked ballots and proportional representation.
• It set a precedent for future minority governments, influencing campaign strategies in the 2020 and 2024 elections.

The 2018 election was a turning point, proving that even small provinces can experience complex political realignments. Its legacy continues to influence New Brunswick’s legislative and electoral evolution.