Tidal Wave Rolls Over Newfoundland and Labrador

It may not have been a tsunami, but the big blue wave that swept over Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday will certainly be felt for years to come.

The provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador was expected to be an easy win for the reigning PC party and that’s exactly how it played out with the conservatives capturing 70% of the popular vote.

Going into the election the PC’s held 34 seats, the Liberals 11, the NDP 1 and there were 2 vacancies. When the ballots were counted Danny William’s PC government increased its majority to 43 seats, the Liberals dropped to 3 and the NDP retained its lone seat.

Immediately before the polls closed former federal cabinet minister, John Crosby, predicted the result when he said to Liberal senator George Baker, “The only safe Liberal in Newfoundland and Labrador tonight is one with a senate seat.”

In addition to the 47 members elected, there remains one vacancy. The voters of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans did not go to the polls in the general election as a result of the untimely passing of Liberal Candidate, Gerry Tobin. Tobin, 41, passed away during the campaign leaving only the PC candidate on the ballot. A special by-election will be held in that district on November 6.

The election results, as much as at any time in the province’s history, serve as an example of how the will of the people can and was expressed in shaping government. Throughout the weeks leading up to the vote 3 key factors were easily recognizable across the province and they were clearly reflected in the final results.

1) The Williams government’s popularity throughout the Island portion of the province led to an increase in seats and a stronger mandate from the people;

2) A chronic lack of organization displayed by the Liberal party ever since losing the previous provincial election resulted in a lack of confidence among the electorate and a loss of most of their districts, including that of the party leader, Gerry Reid by a mere 7 votes. An automatic recount will be undertaken in that district.

3) The calm yet effective leadership shown by NDP party leader Lorraine Michael and displayed during the provincial leader’s debate resulted in a small, yet important, gain for the perennial third party in their capturing of second place, over the Liberal, in several districts; and

Leading up to the election there was some talk of the need to ensure a strong opposition in the province in the wake of Williams’ popularity. That concern appears to have been a non-factor in the election outcome. The enhanced mandate given to premier Williams indicates that a desire for strong local opposition was outstripped by the desire to present a strong united front to the province’s true opposition in Ottawa.

UPDATE - From the Edmonton Sun today:

Harper said he planned to call Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams last night to congratulate him on what was expected to be a resounding electoral victory.

"I still think notwithstanding the differences he and I have had, he is the best choice for Newfoundlanders, so I wish him well," said Harper, despite the fact Williams has urged Canadians to vote ABC -- anybody but the (federal) Conservatives.

"We have to do unto others as we wish they did unto us -- though I'm not necessarily counting on that," he said with a laugh.

"Not from anyone. We're ready for anything."

At the end of the day he never did call the Premier but instead gave his congrats to the media. He also chose the next morning to announce a deal with Nova Scotia over the Atlantic Accord standoff thus dividing the two provinces on that issue and leaving NL to fight on alone.

Thank-you Mr. Harper. Your actions won't be forgotten.