Premier Blaine Higgs has expressed his support for a leadership review in response to the recent dissent within the New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Party. Higgs welcomes the opportunity to address concerns raised by party members and believes it is important to give parents a voice in their children’s formative years.
The future of Higgs’ leadership and the possibility of a snap election have been subjects of speculation as the legislative session concluded for the summer. Jean-Pierre Ouellett, a former PC cabinet minister and district association president, has openly called for a review of Higgs’ leadership due to concerns about linguistic divisions in the province.
Dominic Cardy, a former education minister-turned-independent MLA, also believes it is time for the premier to step aside and hopes for a leadership change. Ouellett has formally requested a leadership review by writing to the party executive. According to the party’s constitution, a review can be initiated following an election defeat or if 50 members, including 25 riding association presidents, request it. Global News reached out to all PC riding association presidents, but only three responded, stating that they did not ask for a review.
Additionally, Higgs has faced challenges within his own caucus, with eight Tory caucus members speaking out against changes to Policy 713, which focuses on inclusivity for LGBTQ2 students in the school system. Six of those MLAs voted with the opposition to ask for a report on the impact of the changes. Social development minister Dorothy Shephard resigned from cabinet, citing the premier’s management style as the reason. Shephard had previously expressed concerns about Higgs’ management style in a letter to him but saw no change.
Higgs considers the caucus revolt unfortunate but is committed to moving forward and addressing issues that affect all New Brunswickers. He emphasizes the importance of thinking about the bigger picture and finding solutions as a team. Aboriginal affairs minister Arlene Dunn, one of the rebellious caucus members, believes the party needs to listen to experts when it comes to issues like Policy 713. She emphasizes the need for the party to focus on what matters to the people of New Brunswick.
Overall, Premier Higgs recognizes the challenges facing his leadership but remains dedicated to finding solutions and maintaining the progress made by the province in recent years.
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