Today is election day in Canada, but there’s another political contest being fought that will be decided this weekend.
Two candidates are running for the provincial Liberal leadership and the role of premier of Newfoundland and Labrador – John Abbott and John Hogan.
The race was triggered by the surprise resignation of Premier Andrew Furey, who will transition back to private life once the leadership is decided and the winner takes over.
John Abbott
Abbott, who served in various portfolios including Housing, Transportation and Children, Seniors and Social Development, says leading the party as premier is something that’s been on his mind for a while, having run unsuccessfully for the Liberal leadership five years ago.
“Being premier is definitely a great honour” says Abbott, “I would be more than honoured to be premier, this is a superb, awesome province…and I’m ready to take on that challenge.”
John Hogan meanwhile, says serving as the minister of health and as justice minister has prepared him for the role of premier.
“You learn you’re representing all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians when you’re representing that portfolio” he says of his time as minister of health. “You know, what’s important for someone in St. Anthony, for example, might be different than what’s important for someone in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. I’ve learned over the last four years…and that just continues as we move forward here into this leadership.”
The Liberal leadership convention takes place on Saturday, May 3rd at the Jag Soundhouse in St. John’s.
