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After weeks of speculation, voters in Newfoundland and Labrador will head to the polls for a provincial election on October 14. Premier John Hogan, leader of the Liberal Party, officially called the election on Monday by asking Lt.-Gov. Joan Marie Aylward to dissolve the House of Assembly.

With a smile, Hogan walked onto the grounds of Government House, joined by his wife Gill and their dog Rooney, before announcing that the province was set for a fresh election campaign.

“This is a very special day for me, and I think a great day for the province,” Hogan told reporters. “To be here now as leader of the Liberal Party and as premier, leading our team into this election, is a very proud moment.”

Voting Day and Candidate Deadlines

Election day will take place on Monday, October 14, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. NT. Advance polls will open a week earlier, giving voters extra time to cast their ballots.

The deadline for candidates to file nominations is September 23 at 2 p.m. NT. Parties are already racing to confirm their lineups. The Liberals and Progressive Conservatives (PCs) are both fielding a full slate of candidates, while the New Democratic Party (NDP) has 18 names listed on its website.

The Parties and Their Leaders

The campaign marks a new chapter for all three major parties, as each leader heads into a provincial election for the first time.

• John Hogan leads the Liberals, who have been in government since 2015 and are seeking their fourth consecutive term.

• Tony Wakeham is at the helm of the Progressive Conservatives, aiming to return his party to power after more than a decade in opposition.

• Jim Dinn, leader of the New Democratic Party, is running a smaller but vocal campaign focused on social issues.

Currently, the House of Assembly has 40 seats. The Liberals hold 19, the PCs hold 14, and the NDP hold one. Two seats are held by Independents, while four remain vacant.

Hogan’s Pitch to Voters

Premier Hogan said his goal is not only to hold power but to win a majority government, which would allow the Liberals to govern without relying on support from other parties.

“We want to win a majority government. We think we’re the right choice for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians right now,” Hogan said.

He added that the province is at a crossroads: “I think a lot of us feel we’re still trying to get to where we can be, and where we deserve to be. We still have a lot of work to do. Things are pointing in the right direction, and we want to continue that work.”

Churchill Falls: The Priority Issue

One of Hogan’s central campaign issues is the Churchill Falls hydro negotiations with Quebec, a deal that could shape the province’s financial future for generations.

Although he cannot take part in negotiations during the election period, Hogan insisted he is the right leader to finish the talks.

“I feel like I’m the right leader to finish those negotiations,” he said, calling it the most important file of the campaign.

Why the Election Date Matters

The election call came on the very last possible day under Newfoundland and Labrador’s fixed-date election law. The law requires at least 28 days of campaigning and sets October 14 as the latest possible election date this year.

Hogan explained that he waited until the final day to respect the rules and provide transparency. “I stood by the law in place,” he said.

Party Promises Begin Rolling In

As the campaign gets underway, the three major parties have already begun unveiling their priorities and promises.

• Liberals: In the weeks leading up to the call, Hogan’s government made a series of funding announcements. These included a $25 million repayable loan to Braya Renewables, an agreement for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to keep buying electricity from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, and a program to expand internet access in rural areas.

• Progressive Conservatives: PC Leader Tony Wakeham focused on community safety, promising to improve wildfire preparedness following a devastating season that destroyed homes and forced thousands to evacuate.

• New Democratic Party: NDP Leader Jim Dinn launched his campaign in Quidi Vidi, promising to create new jobs, build more affordable housing, and end the province’s reliance on costly agency nurses in the healthcare system.

What’s at Stake

With four seats vacant and both major parties close in numbers, the election could swing in several directions. For the Liberals, a victory would continue their run in government and give Hogan a fresh mandate as premier. For the PCs, it represents a chance to end a long stretch in opposition. For the NDP, even a small increase in seats could give them more influence in a potentially divided assembly.

Hogan is betting that voters will support his government’s record and trust him to lead through the next stage of negotiations with Quebec. Wakeham is hoping to tap into voter frustration over cost-of-living pressures and public safety. Dinn is appealing to voters who want stronger action on healthcare and housing.

Campaign Energy Builds

With less than a month to go until voting day, Newfoundland and Labrador is entering a lively and competitive campaign season. Leaders will travel across the province, hold rallies, debate their opponents, and try to win over undecided voters.

For many residents, the big questions are about the economy, energy, healthcare, and the cost of living. Each party will try to show it has the best plan to move the province forward.

Conclusion

On October 14, voters in Newfoundland and Labrador will decide the province’s direction for the next four years. Hogan’s Liberals are asking for another mandate, Wakeham’s PCs are pushing for change, and Dinn’s NDP is offering an alternative voice.

With all three leaders campaigning for the first time and key issues like Churchill Falls, housing, healthcare, and energy on the line, this election could shape the future of the province in powerful ways.