The tide goes out for Blaine Higgs, anti-politician
PC leader’s disdain for conventional politics overwhelmed his instinct for calibration and discipline
Early in his tenure as premier, Blaine Higgs pointed to his work at Irving Oil — and the immutable rhythms of the tides in the Bay of Fundy — to explain how he would govern.
Ships heavy with refined gasoline could only sail out at high tide, Higgs told a Saint John business audience in April 2019, forcing him to carefully time when they left port.
"I remember all the years working, with ships coming and going, and making the tides, and people said, 'Those tides must really mess you up, loading the ships and getting ships out,'" he recalled.
"'Nope,'" he said. "It kept you focused, because you didn't dare miss one … It kept you focused on getting the job done."
He would bring the same deliberate, disciplined approach to the job of premier, he said.
But Higgs also defined himself as an anti-politician willing to depart from old, predictable patterns of governing.
It worked for him at first, but it caught up with him Monday.
As a rookie minister of finance from 2010 to 2014, Higgs was a breath of fresh air.
He refused to endorse an old-style Progressive Conservative patronage appointment by Premier David Alward.
He uttered inconvenient political truths, such as how parties, including his own, often made opportunistic campaign promises that doomed them to deficit spending once in power.
His time as premier
As premier, which he became in 2018, he remained a maverick. He included the three opposition party leaders on a cabinet advisory committee on COVID-19, an unusual move that helped forge public trust.
But after Higgs won a majority government in 2020, the iconoclastic approach began to clash with his fondness for calibration and discipline.
After the death of a patient in an overworked hospital emergency department in July 2022, he abruptly shuffled his health minister, fired Horizon Health's CEO and replaced the province's two partly-elected health authority boards with appointed trustees.
"I'm not kicking it down the road … I'm prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect and improve the health-care system in our province," he said.
It was bold, but it was also a political gamble premiers often avoid.
By taking personal ownership of the issue, Higgs was ensuring he'd get credit if the system improved — or take the blame if the public didn't feel tangible progress.
Kris Austin was sworn in as a cabinet minister after leaving the helm of the People's Alliance to join the PCs. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
In 2022, he welcomed two People's Alliance MLAs into his caucus, including leader Kris Austin, whose views on bilingualism, were anathema to some PC members.
Austin later took credit for pulling the PC Party further to the right.
Higgs then grabbed the third rail of New Brunswick politics, declaring he would replace French immersion, a provincial touchstone, within a year — something a previous Liberal government had tried and suffered for politically.
The premier backed off, but the episode cost him his centrist education minister, Dominic Cardy, who resigned and accused the premier of making decisions based on impulses and biases, not the careful calibration of evidence.
"Government is not the same as building oil tankers," Cardy said.
Policy 713
Then Higgs pushed ahead with changes to Policy 713, about gender identity in schools, disregarding a compromise with his own caucus to adopt a more cautious approach.
"There was a common agreement of how we were going to proceed," PC MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason later explained. "But that's not what happened."
Six Tory members, including Anderson-Mason, voted against Higgs on the issue in the legislature. Two ministers quit.
Maintaining caucus unity is a key measure of a party leader, but Higgs shrugged off the exodus from his government.
The departures, he argued, opened the party to newcomers like Faytene Grasseschi, a Christian conservative activist running in Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins.
"I'll call it a movement, I'll call it a revolution. … part of an opportunity to change the face of politics," Higgs said at her nomination.
But Grasseschi's nomination further alarmed many longtime PC members who believed the premier was abandoning the political mainstream.
Dominic Cardy resigned and accused Higgs of making decisions based on impulses and biases. (CBC)
Some tried in vain to remove him as leader. Others went to work for other parties or decided to sit out the campaign.
The Liberals, meanwhile, argued that Higgs was too focused on culture-war issues and internal party fighting rather than helping ordinary New Brunswickers with their priorities.
A $300 affordability benefit didn't reach most of the people eligible for it.
And travel-nurse contracts signed in 2022 as a desperate fix for staffing shortages — a response to Higgs's impatient drive for improvements — were revealed as poorly managed and costly.
For a premier who had taken ownership of health care in 2022, it was a blow.
By the time the campaign began, Higgs had the lowest approval rating of any Canadian premier.
A poll by Mainstreet Research early in the campaign found 53 per cent of respondents saw him unfavourably, compared to 37 per cent who were favourable — a warning sign for a premier whose campaign argued for staying the course.
His Liberal opponent, Susan Holt, was seen favourably by 46 per cent and unfavourably by 31 per cent.
Higgs made one major new election promise: to cut the harmonized sales tax.
New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt speaks to supporters, friends and family on Monday night. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
It was eye-catching, but once he'd laid it out, he had little else to offer other than rebuttals and criticisms of Liberal promises on health care and affordability.
The result: a campaign fought on Susan Holt's preferred terrain, in which the HST cut was seldom discussed.
Nine days before the election, Higgs suddenly rolled out a new promise: to listen more to nurses and to help fund their long-term disability premiums.
A campaign in trouble
In retrospect, the hasty commitment made on a holiday long weekend was a sign of a campaign in trouble.
And, as Monday's results make clear, it wasn't enough.
Despite the defeat, Higgs leaves politics with a significant legacy.
He reformed public-sector pensions and local government. He effectively managed — at least for the first 18 months — the COVID-19 pandemic. He reduced the province's debt and launched new approaches to health care that may yet yield permanent improvements.
But the PC leader also leaves a fractured party behind him. The battle for its leadership — and its direction — may prove divisive.
In 2020, Higgs suggested the concerns of some of his own PC MLAs were politically driven and parochial compared to his own vision.
"I understand individual MLAs, individual cabinet ministers, have pressures on them in their ridings," he said. "I get it.
"I'm fortunate to be representing a riding, Quispamsis, that is very focused on the big picture of New Brunswick."
What that comment revealed was Higgs's unwillingness to read and adjust to the constantly shifting emotions and moods of politics, both inside his caucus and in the wider electorate.
That ability to "make the tides" in his Irving Oil job was ultimately not transferable.
In that 2019 speech in Saint John, Higgs made clear he relished the discipline forced on him by the Bay of Fundy, but he also acknowledged those tides were unforgiving.
"In my job, if I missed too many of them, the job was a little tense," he said.
So too was the job of premier.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Quispamsis
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Party |
| Aaron Kennedy | 3,860 | 46.5% | |
| Progressive Conservative Party | Blaine Higgs* | 3,667 | 44.1% |
| Green Party | Andrew Conradi | 378 | 4.6% |
| New Democratic Party | Alex White | 360 | 4.3% |
| Independent | David Raymond Amos | 42 | 0.5% |
10/10 polls reported
Blaine Higgs loses seat, 'extremely unlikely' to remain as leader
PC leader unseated by Liberal Aaron Kennedy in home riding
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs lost his own seat in the election Monday and said it's unlikely he will remain as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
Elections N.B. results show the party will hold 16 seats in the legislature, compared to 31 for the Liberals.
Higgs told CBC in an interview after conceding to premier-designate Susan Holt that it was "extremely unlikely" that he would stay on as party leader.
"I knew it was going to be a tight race," Higgs said, describing the overall outcome as the worst-case scenario for the party.
"It's heartbreaking in many ways," Higgs said following a concession speech at St. Louis Bar & Grill in his Quispamsis riding, where about 50 people had gathered to watch the results.
Higgs lost his riding outside Saint John to Liberal candidate Aaron Kennedy by 193 votes.
Across the province, several cabinet ministers also lost to their Liberal opponents, including Jill Green in Fredericton North, Réjean Savoie in Miramichi Bay-Neguac, and Greg Turner in Moncton South.
Ted Flemming, who has held various cabinet roles and was first elected in 2012, lost in Rothesay to Liberal Alyson Townsend.
In Sussex-Three Rivers, PC and cabinet minister Tammy Scott-Wallace was re-elected, beating Bruce Northrup by 507 votes. Northrup ran for the Liberals after previously representing the region as a PC.
In Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins, PC Faytene Grasseschi lost by 224 votes to Liberal John Herron.
Former People's Alliance MLAs Kris Austin and Michelle Conroy, who left the party to sit as PCs in 2022, were both re-elected to the legislature under the Tory banner.
Others re-elected for the PCs include Mike Dawson in Miramichi West, Glen Savoie in Saint John East, Sherry Wilson in Albert-Riverview, Bill Oliver in Kings Centre, Kathy Bockus in Saint Croix, Mary Wilson in Oromocto-Sunbury, Ryan Cullins in Fredericton-York, Richard Ames in Carleton-York, and Bill Hogan in Woodstock-Hartland.
Jeff Carr, a former PC MLA who resigned from the government last year, called the results the party's worst loss in 30 years.
"This was a referendum on Blaine," Carr said during a CBC election show panel, saying the party needs to reflect on its direction. He also called on Higgs to apologize to Holt.
The 70-year-old Higgs, a former Irving Oil executive, has led the party since 2016 and has been premier since 2018. He was first elected to represent Quispamsis in 2010, serving four years as finance minister under premier David Alward.
Higgs was premier in a minority government until 2020, when the party won 27 seats compared to 17 for the Liberals, three for the Greens and two for the People's Alliance.
Higgs's publicly flirted with stepping aside as leader before another election but ultimately opted to stay after an internal party revolt.
Several ministers, including Carr, and longtime MLAs announced they'd resign or wouldn't run again, citing his leadership and his government's changes to Policy 713, which deals with gender identity in the education system.
Higgs in an interview described it as an internal issue "mainly around parents and kids," but said 85 per cent of caucus backed his position.
"It was unfortunate that it turned into a big issue within the party," Higgs said.
The party campaigned on those changes while offering few other promises for another term.
The most significant promise was to cut the harmonized sales tax (HST) over two years to 13 per cent. It's a promise estimated to cost the province $1.6 billion in lost revenue.
The party released a two-page platform over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Higgs,
centre right, with Bathurst candidate Kim Chamberlain, speaking to
supporters during the campaign. Higgs and Chamberlain both lost Monday. (David Richard/CBC/Radio-Canada)
The party promised to expand the scope of practice for nurses, paramedics and pharmacists, balance the budget, force those with an addiction into treatment if they pose a danger to themselves or others, and litigate against title claims by First Nations.
The party fielded a full slate of 49 candidates. Higgs emphasized a focus on the north, nominating bilingual mayors nominated in Campbellton and Bathurst regions previously held by Liberals. But both of those candidates lost to Liberals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Surprise Surprise Surprise
Reply to David Amos
I stated it out of the gate and felt the need to be redundant this morning because I am truly surprised as well
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Can NB now stop paying for Steve Outhouse's salary now?
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Reply to ralph jacobs
And when the♩♪♫♫ stopped, Higgs had no seat. Sweet ♩♪♫♫ to my ears❗
David Amos
Reply to Jos Allaire
Reply to Daniel Franklin
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Reply to JOhn D Bond
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Surprise Surprise Surprise
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Big losers, big winners of N.B. election night
Several PC cabinet ministers were unseated, along with the premier
With the election of a Liberal majority in New Brunswick, here's a breakdown of some of the major wins and losses.
Some big losses:
-
New Brunswick Premier and PC Leader Blaine Higgs lost his seat in Quispamsis to Liberal Aaron Kennedy. This win for Kennedy also means that NDP Leader Alex White was defeated.
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Jill Green, the social development minister, lost in Fredericton North to Liberal Luke Randall.
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Réjean Savoie, the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corp., was unseated by Liberal Sam Johnston in Miramichi Bay-Neguac.
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Greg Turner, the minister of post-secondary education, training and labour, lost to Liberal Claire Johnson in Moncton South.
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Ernie Steeves, the finance minister, lost to Liberal Tania Sodhi in Moncton Northwest.
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Ted Flemming, the attorney general, lost to Liberal Alyson Townsend in Rothesay.
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Faytene Grasseschi, a Christian conservative activist who was running for the PCs in Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins, lost to Liberal John Herron, a former Progressive Conservative MP.
- Green Kevin Arseneau, who served as the MLA for Kent North since 2018, lost to Liberal Pat Finnigan, reducing the Greens to two seats.
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Bathurst Mayor Kim Chamberlain, running for the PCs in Bathurst, lost to René Legacy, who was re-elected for the Liberals.
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People's Alliance Leader Rick DeSaulniers lost to Kris Austin, the former Alliance leader who became a PC cabinet minister, in Fredericton-Grand Lake.
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Kevin Arseneau, one of three Green members of the last legislature, lost in Kent North to Pat Finnigan of the Liberals, a former MP.
Notable wins:
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Dr. John Dornan won the Saint John Portland-Simonds seat. Dornan was the CEO of Horizon Health and was fired by Premier Blaine Higgs in 2022 and was awarded a payout after filing for unjust dismissal.
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Liberal David Hickey, a city councillor, won in Saint John Harbour, a riding that has swung between PCs and Liberals in recent years.
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Green Megan Mitton was re-elected, winning Tantramar with a 48.9 per cent share of the vote against Liberal John Higham, the co-chair of Sackville's Rural Health Action Group.
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Sherry Wilson, the minister responsible for addictions and mental health, held onto Albert-Riverview. She had faced criticism during the campaign after she compared New Brunswick's original 2SLGBTQ+ policy to Indigenous residential schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
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Mary Wilson, the minister responsible for military affairs, won in Oromocto-Sunbury.
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Margaret Johnson, the agriculture minister, won Carleton-Victoria.
Clockwise,
PC cabinet ministers Sherry Wilson, Mary Wilson, Richard Ames, Bill
Hogan, Margaret Johnson, Kathy Bockus, Glen Savoie and Tammy
Scott-Wallace won their seats in the provincial election. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
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Richard Ames, the transportation minister, won in Carleton-York.
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Bill Hogan, the education minister, won in Woodstock-Hartland.
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Kathy Bockus, the minister for seniors, won in Saint Croix.
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Glen Savoie, the former house leader, won in Saint John East.
-
Tammy Scott-Wallace, the tourism minister, won in Sussex-Three Rivers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
From: Premier Blaine Higgs <info@rebelnews.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 3:15 PM
Subject: Today is Election Day. I need your help.
To: David Amos <David.Raymond.Amos333@gmail.com>
Election day dawns in New Brunswick
Voters have until 8 p.m. to cast ballots that will determine which party governs the province
It's election day in New Brunswick.
Voters in the province have until 8 p.m. to cast their ballots to help determine which party will govern — and whether it will have a majority in the legislature.
Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs is hoping to win a third term in office, which would make him the first premier to pull that off since Liberal Frank McKenna's victory in 1995.
Higgs has promised to continue the same approach to governing he has used for the last six years, which has led to six consecutive budget surpluses.
He made only one major promise during the campaign: a two-point reduction to the 15-per-cent harmonized sales tax rate, phased in over the next two years.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt hopes to lead her party back to power after six years on the opposition benches.
She built her campaign around a commitment to address problems in the health-care system and help New Brunswickers with the high cost of living.
And the Green Party, seemingly entrenched as the province's third party on the left of the political spectrum, aims to re-elect its three MLAs who first won in 2018 and secured new terms in 2020.
The NDP, the People's Alliance and the Libertarian parties also have candidates on the ballot in some ridings. Two other parties, the Social Justice Party and the Consensus Party, failed to nominate enough candidates to remain officially registered.
There were more than 574,000 New Brunswickers on the list of eligible voters as of Friday afternoon.
Voter turnout in the last two elections was between 66 and 67 per cent.
The polls open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., and CBC News will have live coverage of the results across all of its platforms.
For complete campaign coverage, visit New Brunswick Votes 2024.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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When I ran against Herron in 2004 he lost as a liberal When I ran against Northrup in 2018 he won as a Conservative
Methinks both the turncoats will lose this time N'essy Pas?
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The bell just tolled so its over but the crying except for 49 of us
Its time for me to kick back and watch the circus
First poll PC ahead
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
David Amos
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Reply to David Amos
Survey Says???
Reply to David Amos
My election predictions are 28 Liberals 🔴 ; 19 Conservatives 🔵 ; and 2 Greens 🟢
Reply to David Amos
I say Higgy wins a minority
Bobby Richards
Reply to David Amos
He would stay on until the throne speech is voted down. That would be funny to watch.
Jay Miller
Reply to David Amos
He’s loosing seats in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John - the golden triangle ain’t going to be blue!
David Amos
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Have you ever apologized for what you posted on June 6th?
Bobby Richards
Reply to David Amos
Higgs will probably try to stay on as leader even after losing a confidence vote. His own party will have to force him to step down.
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"Well, if Holt wins the bankers will be very happy tonight. They love free spending governments that ..."
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Wow was I eve wrong in my prediction Even Higgy is losing but I got 19 votes
Shawn Darrington
The current PM is the Conservatives biggest asset.
Don Corey
Reply to Shawn Darrington
That’s for sure.
Reply to Shawn Darrington
True
Shevek Anarres
Reply to Shawn Darrington
But they lost ..
6 consecutive budget surplus's in New Brunswick? Is that a joke? They have been a have not province for the last 15 years or more.
That means that they receive federal equalization payments from the Federal govt.
That money comes from "Have" provinces, which is Alberta.
What kind of crazy business math is that?
And people wonder why Albertan's are ticked off..
David Amos
Reply to Joe smith
Perhaps you should study political science
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
I concur.
Paul Watson
Reply to David Amos
He may also want to look up how federal transfer payments work and understand that Alberta has never sent a penny to another province.
Carly Wattson
Correct me if I’m wrong…
Policy 713 is, essentially, if a kid wants to go by a different name, particularly one that contradicts thier gender, and they are afraid their parents will react excessively, even dangerously, the school can say “That’s okay, we won’t tell! You be you!”
But if a kid is terrified that they’re failing a course and mom or dad will go off, the report card goes home anyway?
Also, “We’ll keep your preferred name from your parents if you feel you’re in danger.”
BUT
“Don’t tell them I failed my test! I’m so scared!”
Child protection, line one!
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
You seem confused
Ted DiBlase
Sad that in this country you have to promise deficits to get elected. Used to be the other way around.
David Amos
Reply to Ted DiBlase
Go Figure
Dan Lee
a vote for Higgs is a dollar more for irving and a dollar less for health care.........
David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
So you say
Don Corey
Reply to Dan Lee
So how do you explain the record healthcare spending under Higgs?
Shawn Darrington
Reply to Dan Lee
Any evidence or just spouting NDP cliches?
Daniel Henwell
wife & I don't plan on voting, actually haven't in years. Our riding has been same solid color for many years. Can't see it ever changing.
congrats to all candidates, though. I certainly wouldn't want to do it. Can't please everybody.
David Amos
Reply to Daniel Henwell
I only voted once in my life and that was when I was permitted to vote in a riding where I was running
Carly Wattson
Reply to Daniel Henwell
Then you cannot complain. Or praise. Full stop.
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
I disagree
Carly Wattson
Reply to David Amos
How can you choose to not participate in a process, even though you can, but legitimately expect to have a voice about the results of said protest?
Bruce Normand
Reply to Carly Wattson
Makes one thankful that he hasn’t a chance to be involved in policy making.
David Amos
Reply to Bruce Normand
Are you sure about that?
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
Yup
Carly Wattson
Reply to Bruce Normand
Below, he claims to have run as a candidate several times!!!
Bruce Normand
Reply to David Amos
I am.
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
You doubt me?
David Amos
Reply to Bruce Normand
Perhaps you take it up with your boss
Bruce Normand
Reply to Carly Wattson
You will find that he makes many claims.
David Amos
Reply to Bruce Normand
One is a Statement of Claim Correct?
Carly Wattson
Reply to David Amos
No. I call *hypocrisy* if you have run many times but don’t vote, and then complain (often) about elected officials who wouldn’t help you.
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
Who are you to call me names?
Harvey York
Reply to David Amos
by the sounds of it she's someone who sees right through you
Carly Wattson
Reply to David Amos
What name?
David Amos
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Reply to Carly Wattson
Hypocrite is a nasty name to call me
John Collins
Who’s the NDP candidate?
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
He is one of the dudes I am running against in Quispamsis
Harvey York.
Reply to David Amos
lol
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
Which party are you running for?
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
Independent as usual
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
https://en.votemate.org/nb2024/candidates/?riding=1485
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
Did you go door to door?
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
Nope do you live there?
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
No. I don’t live in NB.
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
So why did it matter if I go door to door?
Carly Wattson
Reply to John Collins
Depends on the riding.
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
Because those that want to be elected do such things.
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
Who said I wanted to be elected?
John Collins
Reply to Carly Wattson
No doubt… I was talking with David Amos and so I was asking who the NDP candidate was it was from the riding he was running in
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
I you had watched my debates or came to court and read my legal documents then you would understand why I ran for public office with no false illusions
Shawn Darrington
Reply to John Collins
Jagmeet's cousin?
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
You by running
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
Think again
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
Didn’t you say you’re running in the election as an independent
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
Did you win?
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
I got 40 votes and Higgy Lost
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
That’s sad on both accounts. Now your provincial will skyrocket !
Taxes are going to go way up as well.
David Amos
Reply to John Collins
Perhaps you should check my work
John Collins
Reply to David Amos
Where would I check that?
Harvey York
Reply to John Collins
Don't waste your time....
John Collins
Reply to Harvey York
I’m having fun. But I see where you’re coming from ..
Buford Wilson
Let's Keep building.
Vote Conservative.
David Amos
Reply to Buford Wilson
Nope
valmond landry
if higgs is elected and polirabit at the federal the minimum wage earners and the people on fix income are done.
David Amos
Reply to valmond landry
I resemble that remark
John Collins
Reply to valmond landry
Too funny!
valmond landry
Reply to John Collins
ha,ha,ha,
Don Corey
Reply to valmond landry
They’ll be far better off when we have a real PM.
Skyler José
The only pole that matters is election day.
David Amos
Reply to Skyler José
Oh So True How many votes do yo think I will get?
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Skyler José
"The only pole that matters is election day."
A PHYSICAL OBJECT is the only thing that matters on Election Day?
Skyler José
Reply to Ronald McCallum
“Thing”?
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Skyler José
I believe the correct spelling for what you are describing is POLLS.
Skyler José
Reply to Ronald McCallum
You say tomato; I say potato.
Skyler José
Blair Higgs is probably going to win again.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Skyler José
Yes. Good ole Blair Higgs
Skyler José
Reply to Bobby Richards
I think so.
David Amos
Reply to Skyler José
Methinks Blaine will too N'esy Pas?
valmond landry
Reply to David Amos
Bonne retraite mr.higgs !
Douglas James
Incredible. Not a single update all day. Absolutely nothing about voter turnout or any use of exit polls. Is it any wonder our public broadcaster has become almost irrelevant in the rapidly changing media environment?
Bobby Richards
Reply to Douglas James
Other agencies are quiet too. CTV, TJ, Global. They all put something out this morning and will pick up shortly before polls close.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Douglas James
Global is tracking the results. PC 0, Liberals 0, Greens 0. lol
David Amos
Reply to Douglas James
Its a small wonder to me They never admitted that I was on a ballot in 8 elections
Bruce Normand
Reply to David Amos
They deal in news of relevance.
Ted DiBlase
Reply to Douglas James
Leftist safe space makes it relevant.
David Amos
Reply to Ted DiBlase
Their mandate dictates that they must do so
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
I replied to Bruce Normand
Reply to Bruce Normand
Carly Wattson
Reply to David Amos
Write a First Person.
Carly Wattson
Reply to David Amos
WAIT, you have been a candidate multiple times but DON’T VOTE?
Charles Strandsmith
Reply to Douglas James
did you really need to know if 37 people voted, in a province of 42 people, with 52 MLA's?
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
Bingo
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
"Write a First Person. "
Federal Court File Number T-1557-15
Carly Wattson
Reply to David Amos
I meant here.
David Amos
Reply to Carly Wattson
You are a person Correct?
Since Lou is so fascinated by these games, he may interested to know Armenia will host the 10th edition of the Francophone Games from July 23 to August 1, 2027.
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
Lou won't even admit that I am running in Quispamsis
Gerrit Lafleur
Reply to David Amos
Pretty sure no one gives a flying flip .
Bruce Normand
Reply to Gerrit Lafleur
Absolutely correct.
Reply to Gerrit Lafleur
Amos, the hero we never knew we needed...lol
Reply to Bruce Normand
Then why comment?
Bruce Normand
Reply to David Amos
I am mandated to.
Don Corey
Reply to Bruce Normand
Who provided you with any such mandate?
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
I’ve seen the provincial list. Your name is definitely there as an Independent candidate in Quispam.
Bruce Normand
Reply to Don Corey
The concerned citizens of Quispamsis.
Don Corey
Reply to Bruce Normand
David Amos
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Are you throwing in the towel for Higgy?
Archie MacDaniel
Perhaps Faytene may remember the letter I wrote to her on January 27, 2023 when I asked her what her stance was on municipal reform and if she liked my overalls.
Gregory Wulf
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
I am sure that the letter is now framed on the wall of the office.
David Amos
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
She remembered mine
Bobby Richards
Reply to David Amos
Your letter? or your overalls?
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
The lady answered me in writing and called me back as well
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
I ask again have you apologized for what yo posted about another lady on June 6th?
I can't wait to see Faytene win Hampton and people lose thier minds!
Bob Smith
Reply to Dacre Gushue
Faytene doesn't have a prayer of winning.
David Amos
Reply to Dacre Gushue
Me too
Together we will find our lost New Brunswick! The future, however, is wide open, and largely determined by what we decide to make of it. Get out and vote - it’s your voice! Today, I will vote for a strong, united NB - let’s stop the division!
Archie MacDaniel
Reply to Jay Miller
Higgs is like Moses. The great divider.
Jack Bell
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
... so he's destined to lead us to the promised land?
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
I thought this was the Place To Be
David Perry
Reply to Jack Bell
in 40 years?? and is that before or after the golden calf
Jack Bell
Reply to David Perry
Knowing how the government works, 40 years to fix the problems were having today seems about right.
Jack Bell
Reply to David Amos
"I thought this was the Place To Be"
It's more a philosophical / cultural wasteland we'll be wandering.
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-dumps-licence-plate-slogan-1.1089931
"We want to hear from New Brunswickers on what would be a suitable tagline or whether one is even needed," he said.
Trevors said New Brunswickers will be consulted on whether they want a slogan on the licence plate.
The former Liberal government spent $229,000 on research, consultation and development of the brand.
Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney, who is minister responsible for Communications New Brunswick, said the provincial government is phasing out the "Be…In this place" tagline in all government material.
"It is no secret that many New Brunswickers never liked this slogan when it was introduced," Blaney said.
"It has never enjoyed wide acceptance among New Brunswickers and we felt it was time to confirm our intention to discontinue its use."
Alexandre Cédric Doucet
Senior Associate
Alexandre
Cédric Doucet, a lawyer and former president of the Société de l'Acadie
du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB), brings a wealth of expertise to any team,
positioning himself as a national leader on crucial subjects such as
immigration, constitutional rights, language rights, the economy, and
territorial development.
Alexandre Cédric works out of the
firm’s Moncton office where he specializes in serving our growing roster
of francophone clients.
Erin Brandt Filliter
Senior Associate
A seasoned communications
professional, Erin Brandt Filliter has extensive experience in crisis
management, stakeholder engagement efforts and strategic planning.
Working with Porter O’Brien clients from a broad range of industries,
Erin excels in navigating complex communication landscapes and finding
effective, narrative-based solutions.
Prior to joining Porter
O’Brien in 2022, Erin recorded an impressive 20-year career in
government, not-for-profit and private sectors, holding senior level
positions in the federal government, Indigenous organizations, and
post-secondary institutions.
Erin holds an undergraduate degree
in International Relations, a Master’s in International Diplomacy and an
Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy.
Who is being lobbied?
Government Institutions
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Canadian Heritage (PCH)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Communication techniques
Communication techniques that have been used or are expected to be used in the course of the undertaking:
- Grass-roots communication
- Oral communication
- Written communication
- Arrange one or more meetings
Who is the lobbyist?
Erin Brandt Filliter, Consultant (Business address and contact information)
Designated public offices heldConsulting Firm
Public offices held: Erin Brandt Filliter
| Position | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Director of Communications and Issues Management
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister's office |
Period Held 2010 to June 2014
Last Date Designated Public Office Held June 9, 2014
Neil McKenna
Senior Associate
With
a strong background in government affairs, Neil McKenna possesses
expertise in research, strategic communications, event planning and
stakeholder engagement. Using this experience, Neil helps navigate
Porter O’Brien clients through the complexities of public and government
relations.
Backing his work at Porter O’Brien is his wealth of
experience gained from working in federal government, including having
supported various Members of Parliament and spent time working in the
Office of the Prime Minister.
Neil graduated from Dalhousie
University, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts - a double major in
Political Science and History.
https://www.goc411.ca/en/353504/Neil-McKenna
Our records show that the employee is no longer in this unit, as of : January 2022
Neil McKenna worked as Special Assistant, Operations for Prime Minister's Office.Neil could be reached at 613-992-4211
Jean François Pelletier
Senior Associate
Prior to joining Porter O’Brien, Jean François worked for the government of New Brunswick as a senior media relations specialist for over three decades.
Tyler Campbell
Senior Associate
Before joining the team at Porter O’Brien, Tyler recorded an impressive career at the Government of New Brunswick as Director of Communications, overseeing communications for portfolios as diverse as energy, business development and education.
Tyler holds a degree in Communications and previously studied History and English Literature at England’s Oxford University.
Brandon Carr
Senior Associate
Brandon joins the Porter O'Brien
team following several years of political staffing at both the Federal
and Provincial levels. He served once as Executive Assistant to the
Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, and also as a Chief
of Staff to a New Brunswick cabinet minister across multiple portfolios,
including Housing and Social Development.
Previously, Brandon
was a Parliamentary Assistant to an Opposition Member in Ottawa. There,
he assisted the MP on committees such as the Special Committee on
Canada-China Relations, and he helped manage stakeholder relations.
Brandon
brings a wealth of knowledge to the Porter O’Brien team on how to work
with various levels of government to achieve results for our clients.
John Wishart
Consultant
John’s work at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton is backed by a distinguished 34-year career as a journalist in New Brunswick. This experience has equipped him with invaluable skills in research, communication, and business development, which he utilizes in his current role at Porter O’Brien.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Subject: Post-pandemic frustration characterizes 3 provincial elections
To: premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, <Steve.Outhouse@gnb.ca>, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, jake.stewart <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>, <premierministre@gnb.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.
Cc: <tony.mitra@gmail.com>, <media@conservativebc.ca>, <info@votefaytene.ca>, <info@pcnb.ca>, Davidc.Coon <Davidc.Coon@gmail.com>, <rhianna.schmunk@cbc.ca>, bruce.fitch <bruce.fitch@gnb.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Bill.Oliver <Bill.Oliver@gnb.ca>, Bill.Blair <Bill.Blair@parl.gc.ca>, <brian.boucher@greenpartynb.ca
Jordan O'Brien
Partner
Jordan O'Brien, a co-founding partner at Porter O'Brien, brings a wealth of experience cultivated in both the public and private sectors. With a background deeply rooted in federal and provincial governments, coupled with pivotal roles in political and civil service, Jordan excels in identifying problems, developing innovative solutions, and crafting clear and achievable plans to address challenges.
At Porter O'Brien, Jordan provides leadership over a team of consultants to ensure tasks are executed with precision and within budget. His primary areas of focus within the firm encompass government affairs, management consulting, and market research practices. Additionally, he leads the firm's business development efforts. Jordan's unwavering commitment to client service excellence and his proven track record make him an indispensable asset to the firm and a trusted leader in the field.
Prior to Porter O’Brien’s founding, Jordan served as an advisor to chief executives, cabinet ministers, leaders of the opposition, and most notably, as deputy minister and chief of staff for a former New Brunswick Premier. In these roles, he played a key role in spearheading the provincial government’s Strategic Program Review, assisted in high-stake negotiations and launched transformative new programs to enhance the affordability of university tuition and childcare. Aside from his long-tenured role in government, Jordan spent several years in consulting roles before co-founding the agency with Tim Porter.
Tim Porter
Partner
Tim Porter, co-founder of Porter O’Brien, brings over 35 years of experience in media, public relations and management to his leadership position. With a background in senior management roles in governmental affairs, communications and marketing, Tim is adept at comprehending complex issues and crafting compelling messages for specific audiences. Tim’s extensive experience encompasses journalism, media relations consulting and effective management of high-profile projects, which he regularly draws on when consulting and leading client files.
Early in his career, Tim spent
time as a journalist before establishing himself as a long-tenured
government professional. Tim served two decades in the government -
including almost a decade as Deputy Minister, overseeing communications
for all departments, and spent a five-year term as Secretary to the
Council of Atlantic Premiers before co-founding Porter O’Brien.
N.B. official admits 'Be' slogan was failure
A senior New Brunswick government communications official admits the province's former "Be…in this place" slogan was a failure and cost more than three times the amount budgeted.
Tim Porter, the deputy minister of Communications New Brunswick, told the Legislature's public accounts committee on Wednesday that the idea wasn't to capture the province's geography or its scenery, but rather how New Brunswickers feel about the place.
However, the slogan never caught on, said Porter, who worked on the slogan campaign under the previous Liberal government.
"People give the government quite a bit of latitude to come up with its own slogans, but when you take that as a provincial slogan, as an identifier, as what we are as a province, it didn't get that level of acceptance," he said.
PC MLAs grilled Porter about the slogan and how much it cost for two hours.
The Graham Liberals unveiled "Be ... in this place" in 2008 and put it on licence plates in 2009.
Cost jumped
Porter said the cost of the slogan and marketing materials jumped to $840,000 from the anticipated $229,000.
The Alward government dropped the unpopular slogan in March, but continues to use the graphic design adopted by the Liberals.
"So do you think those consultants would be interested in giving us half our money back, considering we're only using half their work? I'm kidding," said PC MLA Glen Savoie.
He zeroed in on the decision to put "Be…in this place" on New Brunswick licence plates 18 months after the slogan was launched, despite the fact it wasn't embraced by the public.
"So nobody had figured out at this point that it wasn't really catching on?" he asked.
People weren't really aware of the slogan until it went on their plates, said Porter.
"It wasn't applying to people's life directly, and you know people feel quite attached to their cars, and it was noticed," he said.
Porter said the slogan remains in use in some provincial ad campaigns to avoid having to pay new consultants to come up with a new catchphrase.
New Brunswick licence plates carried the "Picture Province" tagline until 1972. Between 1972 and 2009, the licence plates had no tagline.
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