The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador has voted in John Hogan as the new leader, who will also take on the role of premier as former Premier Andrew Furey steps down.
Furey, a former surgeon who had been in politics for about five years, announced on Feb. 5 that he was resigning.
In a two-day Liberal leadership convention held in St. John’s on May 2-3, Hogan won with 77.48 percent of vote, beating his opponent, John Abbott.
Hogan, the former health minister, and Abbott, the ex-minister of housing, mental health and addictions, both stepped down from their government positions to compete for the role of party leader.
While campaigning, Hogan has said he understands cost of living concerns among voters, including seniors.
After winning the leadership vote, Hogan said it was an “incredible honour” to be able to serve the province as premier.
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“I’m proud to be the leader of such a strong group of representatives and together we will work every day to deliver real economic and social benefits to every corner of our province,” he said.
“I put my name forward for this position because I know our province is at an important crossroads. I have a clear vision of what must be done to accomplish our goals, balance our priorities and harness our opportunities.”
Hogan, 47, worked as a lawyer at a small firm before being elected to government, and has two children aged 8 and 3.
He was first elected in 2021 and has served in various ministries, including the Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and House Leader. He has also been the provincial Attorney General.
Hogan also made reference to the challenges his government will face in light of the U.S. tariffs.
“We’re facing a new relationship with our neighbour south of the border, and we must be prepared on how that will impact us here at home, families continue to struggle with affordability,’ he said on May 3.
“I’m very much looking forward to strengthening our province’s place on Team Canada and ensuring we receive our fair share now in all this.”
During the leadership campaign, Hogan focused on health care, affordability, and wrapping up an energy deal with Quebec that could bring in $225 billion in revenue over the next 50 years.
He referred to the energy deal on May 3, saying it was an “extraordinary opportunity” for the province
“The Churchill river is an unparalleled natural resource. It’s an opportunity for us and for future generations, and we cannot afford a third strike, it’s an opportunity worth more than $225 billion. Think of the doors this will open for us, our children, our grandchildren,”
Abbott’s campaign platform was largely focused on seniors, housing, and expanding cellphone service.
In his announcement in February, Furey said he did not intend to be a career politician and that he would return to his role as a surgeon.
“It is with a heart full of pride and hard-earned confidence in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, that I must now move on,” he said, adding that he could not commit to another term in office.
Hogan will take on the premier’s role for a short time, as a provincial election will have to be called before November.
One of the issues that Hogan will have to grapple with is government spending. Newfoundland and Labrador is running a net debt of $19.4 billion, nearly double what is set aside for spending in the budget.
He will be the 15th premier of the province.
The Canadian Press contributed to this article.
