Title: Newfoundland and Labrador Election: Liberals Lead in Close Race

ST. JOHN’S — The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador is leading the Progressive Conservatives in the early ballot count of the provincial election held on Tuesday night. The election campaign primarily revolved around a proposed multibillion-dollar energy agreement with Quebec.

Shortly after polls closed, the Liberals were leading or had been elected in 22 ridings, while the Progressive Conservatives were leading or elected in 14. A total of 21 seats is required for a majority in the 40-seat legislature. Liberal Leader John Hogan, a 47-year-old lawyer, stated that the proposed deal between Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro could potentially inject $225 billion into the provincial treasury over the next 50 years. Hogan, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term for his party, emphasized that the memorandum of understanding was the central issue of the election.

In contrast, Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham has criticized the deal, arguing it could be improved. Wakeham, a former health-care bureaucrat, has promised to have the agreement reviewed by an independent third party, citing past failures of energy projects in the province. He also focused on economic issues, urging voters to reflect on their financial situation after nearly a decade of Liberal governance.

The New Democratic Party, led by 65-year-old former teacher Jim Dinn, was not expected to be a significant contender, as the party has never held more than five seats in the legislature. The election was called following devastating wildfires in central and eastern Newfoundland that destroyed over 200 homes and structures. During this crisis, Hogan received praise for his calm leadership since taking office on May 9.

However, the Liberal campaign faced challenges due to the resignation of several cabinet ministers before the election, including Siobhan Coady and John Haggie. The new government will need to address the province's growing debt, projected to reach nearly $20 billion next year, the highest per capita provincial debt in Canada. The province is expected to spend over $1 billion this fiscal year on interest and repayment obligations.

Key issues during the campaign included health care, housing, and the rising cost of living, but the Quebec energy deal dominated discussions. Voters in St. John’s expressed concerns about the high cost of living. One voter, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that she works two jobs to make ends meet and has seen only a modest increase in her hourly wage over the past eight years.

As the polls closed, about a dozen supporters gathered at NDP headquarters in downtown St. John’s, cheering for their candidates as initial results were posted. Hogan, Wakeham, and Dinn are all seeking their first election victories as party leaders. At the time the election was called, the Liberals held 19 seats, the Progressive Conservatives had 14, the NDP had one, and there were two Independents and four vacant seats. Historically, voters in Newfoundland and Labrador have favored granting governments at least three consecutive terms since joining Confederation in 1949.