A coalition of Progressive Conservative constituency presidents in New Brunswick is calling for the removal of Premier Blaine Higgs due to his leadership causing division within the party.
John Williston, the party’s vice-president for the Moncton and Albert County area, stated in an interview that 26 riding presidents out of 49 have signed letters urging a leadership review.
Williston, a 42-year-old party activist, believes that with approximately one-third of the Progressive Conservative caucus protesting against Higgs, it is clear that his leadership is no longer viable.
Party members are discontented with the premier’s micromanaging leadership style and controversial decision to modify the province’s policy on sexual orientation in schools.
Eight members of the Tory caucus boycotted question period earlier this month to demonstrate their opposition to changes made to Policy 713, which no longer mandates teachers to use preferred pronouns or names for transgender or nonbinary students under 16.
Jean-Pierre Ouellet, president of the Madawaska-Les-Lacs-Edmundston riding association, confirmed in an interview that he signed a letter supporting the review due to the premier’s attempt to reduce the size of French immersion programs.
According to the party’s constitution, if 50 members of the party, including a minimum of 20 riding presidents, submit letters calling for a review, the matter will be raised at the provincial party council meeting and a vote will be held to determine if a review should take place.
A two-thirds majority of the provincial council is required to proceed with the leadership review. The council consists of riding presidents, nine regional vice-presidents, five members of the legislature, and Premier Higgs himself.
Erika Hachey, the party president, stated in an email that she has not yet received the letters, but Williston explained that they have not been forwarded to her as of now.
This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on June 21, 2023.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
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