New Brunswick general election, 1987

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New Brunswick general election, 1987
Flag of New Brunswick.svg
  1982 October 13, 1987 1991  

58 seats of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick
30 seats needed for a majority

  First party Second party Third party
  Frank McKenna2.jpg
PC
NDP
Leader Frank McKenna Richard Hatfield George Little
Party Liberal Progressive Conservative New Democratic
Leader since 1985 1967 1980
Leader's seat Chatham Carleton Centre (lost re-election)ran in Kings West (lost)
Last election 18 39 1
Seats won58 0 0
Seat changeIncrease2.svg40Decrease2.svg39Decrease2.svg1
Popular vote246,702 116,798 43,033
Percentage60.39% 28.59% 10.55%
SwingIncrease2.svg19.09%Decrease2.svg18.86%Increase2.svg0.4%

New Brunswick general election 1987 - Results by Riding.svg

Popular vote by riding. As this is an FPTP election, seat totals are not determined by popular vote, but instead via results by each riding.

Premier before election

Richard Hatfield
Progressive Conservative

Premier-designate

Frank McKenna
Liberal

Rendition of party representation in the 51st New Brunswick Legislative Assembly decided by this election.
Liberals (58)
Progressive Conservatives (0)
New Democrats (0) Nb-seating-1987.png
Rendition of party representation in the 51st New Brunswick Legislative Assembly decided by this election.
  Liberals (58)
  Progressive Conservatives (0)
  New Democrats (0)

The 31st New Brunswick general election was held on October 13, 1987, to elect 58 members to the 51st New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, the governing house of the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The Liberal Party won power for the first time since 1967. They did so in an unheard-of landslide, winning all 58 seats in the legislature. This feat was only accomplished one other time in Canadian history, in the 1935 Prince Edward Island election.

Provinces and territories of Canada Top-level subdivisions of Canada

The provinces and territories of Canada are sub-national governments within the geographical areas of Canada under the authority of the Canadian Constitution. In the 1867 Canadian Confederation, three provinces of British North America—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada —were united to form a federated colony, becoming a sovereign nation in the next century. Over its history, Canada's international borders have changed several times, and the country has grown from the original four provinces to the current ten provinces and three territories. Together, the provinces and territories make up the world's second-largest country by area.

New Brunswick province in Canada

New Brunswick is one of four Atlantic provinces on the east coast of Canada. According to the Constitution of Canada, New Brunswick is the only bilingual province. About two thirds of the population declare themselves anglophones and a third francophones. One third of the population describes themselves as bilingual. Atypically for Canada, only about half of the population lives in urban areas, mostly in Greater Moncton, Greater Saint John and the capital Fredericton.

Canada Country in North America

Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest country by total area. Canada's southern border with the United States, stretching some 8,891 kilometres (5,525 mi), is the world's longest bi-national land border. Its capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated, the majority of its land area being dominated by forest and tundra. Consequently, its population is highly urbanized, with over 80 percent of its inhabitants concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, with 70% of citizens residing within 100 kilometres (62 mi) of the southern border. Canada's climate varies widely across its vast area, ranging from arctic weather in the north, to hot summers in the southern regions, with four distinct seasons.

Contents

Background

The popularity of Richard Hatfield, who had served as a popular premier from 1970 through the 1982 election, fell due to scandals in his last term. In 1984, during an official visit to New Brunswick by Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers found marijuana in Hatfield's luggage. Hatfield was later acquitted of marijuana possession charges. As reported by the media, Hatfield was also alleged to have hosted parties with young men where illegal drugs were used. [1] He was criticized by opposition parties and by the media for extravagant use of the government plane, which he used to travel to New York City where he visited night clubs, earning him the nickname "Disco Dick". [2]

Richard Hatfield Canadian politician

Richard Bennett Hatfield, was a New Brunswick politician and the longest serving Premier in the province's history (1970–1987).

Premier is a title for the head of government in some countries, states and sub-national governments. A second in command to a premier is designated as a vice-premier or deputy premier.

In 1985, three Saint John-area Progressive Conservative members of the legislature (MLAs) challenged Hatfield's leadership and led a brief caucus revolt after the Liberals won two by-elections in previously Tory seats, but Hatfield led the party through a fifth election.

Saint John, New Brunswick City in New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John is the coastal port city of the Bay of Fundy in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The port is Canada’s third largest port by tonnage with a cargo base that includes dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, containers, and cruise. In 2016, after more than 40 years of population decline, the city became the second most populous city in the province for the first time, with a population of 67,575 over an area of 315.82 square kilometres (121.94 sq mi). Greater Saint John covers a land area of 3,362.95 square kilometres (1,298.44 sq mi) across the Caledonia Highlands, with a population of 126,202. After the partitioning of the colony of Nova Scotia in 1784, the new colony of New Brunswick was thought to be named 'New Ireland' with the capital to be in Saint John before being vetoed by Britain's King George III. Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada. During the reign of George III, the municipality was created by royal charter in 1785.

Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick political party in New Brunswick, Canada

The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick is a centre-right, conservative political party in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The party has its origins in the pre-Canadian confederation Conservative Party that opposed the granting of responsible government to the colony. It has historically followed the Red Tory tradition. The Progressive Conservative Party currently leads the provincial government since 2018 under Premier Blaine Higgs.

A caucus revolt occurs when enough members of a political party pressure its leadership to step down or to remove planned bills,legislation or policies from its platform. A caucus revolt generally concludes with the party leader resigning their position as such a revolt is usually seen to show poor leadership skills. Often the mere appearance of a revolt in the caucus maybe enough to force a leader to step down.

Campaign

Hoping to boost his popularity enough to avoid defeat, Hatfield delayed calling the election as long as possible. It was finally held on October 13, 1987, five years and a day since the last election—the longest allowed by the Constitution of Canada. The Tories lost all of their seats, and Hatfield himself lost his own seat to Liberal challenger Allison DeLong by a staggering 19 points. Taking full responsibility for the defeat, he announced his resignation the night of the election while being interviewed by media outside of his Hartland home. Tory supporters had crowded into Hatfield's home, but abandoned him early in the evening as the returns began to come in.

The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law in Canada; the country's constitution is an amalgamation of codified acts and uncodified traditions and conventions. Canada is one of the oldest constitutional democracies in the world. The constitution outlines Canada's system of government, as well as the civil rights of all Canadian citizens and those in Canada.

Allison Winston DeLong was a Canadian politician. He served in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1995, as a Liberal member for the constituency of Carleton Centre.

Hartland, New Brunswick Town in New Brunswick, Canada

Hartland is a town in Carleton County, New Brunswick, Canada.

Frank McKenna's Liberals were virtually assured victory from day one, thanks to Hatfield's scandals. However, they ran a very successful campaign that enabled them to garner an unprecedented clean sweep of the legislature. The New Democrats also suffered a moral defeat, losing their one seat—something they had won for the first time in 1982.

Frank McKenna Canadian politician

Francis Joseph McKenna, is a Canadian businessman and former politician and diplomat. He is currently Deputy Chairman of the Toronto-Dominion Bank. He served as Canadian Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2006. He served as the 27th Premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997, winning every seat in the province in his first election.

Results

PartyParty Leader# of
candidates
SeatsPopular Vote
1982 Dissolution Elected% Change#%Change
  Liberal Frank McKenna 181958246,70260.39%
  Progressive Conservative Richard Hatfield 39380116,79828.59%
  New Democratic George Little 11043,03310.55%
  Independents ---1,9330.47%
***Total585858408,516100.0%

Results by riding

North

Consisting of Victoria, Madawaska, Restigouche and Gloucester county ridings.

Victoria County, New Brunswick County in New Brunswick, Canada

Victoria County is located in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada. Farming, especially of potatoes, is the major industry in the county.

Madawaska County, New Brunswick County in New Brunswick, Canada

Madawaska County, also known as the "New Brunswick Panhandle", is located in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada. Over 90% of the county's population speaks French. Its Francophone population are known as "Brayons." Forestry is the major industry in the county.

Restigouche County, New Brunswick County in New Brunswick, Canada

Restigouche County is located in north-central New Brunswick, Canada. The county is named for the Restigouche River which flows through the county and is famous for its salmon pools, which have attracted wealthy American and Canadian tourists to the region's summer colonies for decades. Forestry dominates the local economy.

Electoral DistrictCandidates Incumbent
 Liberal PC NDP Other
Victoria-Tobique Dr. Larry R. Kennedy 3,787 J. Douglas Moore 2,126Evelyn Hathaway 372J. Douglas Moore
Grand Falls Paul E. Duffie 4,124Réal Dionne 997Henri Soucy 224 Everard Daigle
Madawaska-les-Lacs Georges Corriveau 3,839 Jean-Pierre Ouellet 1,933Maurice Clavette 368Jean-Pierre Ouellet
Madawaska Centre Gérald Clavette 3,136Don Marmen 1,759Paul Morneault 386Gérald Clavette
Edmundston Roland Beaulieu 4,526J. Pius Bard 1,387Rodolphe Martin 394Roland Beaulieu
Madawaska South Pierrette Ringuette-Maltais 2,597 Percy P. Mockler 2,272Jean-Claude Bosse 131Percy P. Mockler
Restigouche West Jean-Paul Savoie 3,479 Yvon Poitras 3,462James Gallant 262Yvon Poitras
Campbellton Edmond Blanchard 4,278 Fernand G. Dubé 2,244Clara I. MacMillan 362Fernand G. Dubé
Dalhousie Allan Maher 4,479Scott Chedore 919Stewart Beckingham 380Allan Maher
Restigouche East Rayburn Doucett 3,382Paul E. McIntyre 1,599Wayne Lapointe 190Rayburn Doucett
Nigadoo-Chaleur Pierre Godin 5,953Annonciade "Nancy" Arsenault 1,478John Gagnon 595Pierre Godin
Nepisiguit-Chaleur Frank Branch 5,086Claude Albert 1,029Harry Scott 323Frank Branch
Bathurst Paul Kenny 6,281René Pratt 1,126Richard Doucet 566Paul Kenny
Caraquet Bernard Thériault 5,642 Emery Robichaud 4,508Gérard Rousselle 171Emery Robichaud
Shippagan-les-Îles Aldéa Landry 5,601 Jean Gauvin 3,993Charles Rail 100Jean Gauvin
Tracadie Douglas M. Young 5,787Colette McGraw 3,081Serge Robichaud 823Fernand Losier (Ind.) 184Douglas M. Young

Central

Consisting of Carleton, York, Sunbury and Northumberland county ridings.

Electoral DistrictCandidates Incumbent
 Liberal PC NDP Other
Carleton North B. Fred Harvey 2,687 Charles G. Gallagher 1,963Anna Marie Kilfoil 217Charles G. Gallagher
Carleton Centre Allison Winston DeLong 2,787 Richard B. Hatfield 1,853Kathryn Campbell 183Richard B. Hatfield
Carleton South Bruce Smith 3,059 Steven Porter 2,032Arthur L. Slipp 303Steven Porter
York North Bob Simpson 6,221 David Bishop 2,714Craig Melanson 1,075David Bishop
York South Al Lacey 6,894 Les Hull 3,485Gary Hughes 1,002H. Robert A. Storr (Ind.) 108Les Hull
Fredericton South Russ King 7,384 David Clark 2,672Shauna MacKenzie 2,323Harry John Marshall (Ind.) 116David Clark
Fredericton North Jim Wilson 6,667 Ed Allen 3,584Carman J. Burns 888Gordon "Brian" King (Ind.) 354Ed Allen
Sunbury Doug Harrison 4,551 Horace Smith 1,917Christina Corey 569Horace Smith
Oromocto Tom Gilbert 3,807 Joe Mombourquette 1,377Barbara Carr 436Joe Mombourquette
Southwest Miramichi Morris Green 4,676Kevin Price 1,390Patrick Kelly 180Burton Joseph Kehoe (Ind.) 70Morris Green
Miramichi-Newcastle John McKay 4,120 Paul Dawson 3,334Jeanne Theriault 214Paul Dawson
Chatham Frank McKenna 4,653Leon Bremner 1,044Patricia Marie Clancy 248Frank McKenna
Bay du Vin Reg MacDonald 3,026 Roger "Butch" Wedge 2,460Yvon Roy 130Butch Wedge
Miramichi Bay Donald "Danny" Gay 4,422 James K. "Jim" Gordon 2,575Joyce Carter 154Jim Gordon

South West

Consisting of Queens, Kings, Saint John and Charlotte county ridings.

Electoral DistrictCandidates Incumbent
 Liberal PC NDP Other
Queens North Doug Tyler 2,212Constance M. Webber 1,442Ruth Nightingale 135 Wilfred Bishop
Queens South Vaughn Blaney 2,075 Robert B. McCready 1,296Susan Barton 256Robert B. McCready
Kings West Laureen Jarrett 6,717Don Horne 2,811 George Little 4,397 John B. M. Baxter, Jr.
Kings Centre Dr. Kal Seaman 4,419 Harold Newton Fanjoy 2,426Marian G. Jefferies 1,392Calvert M. "Colby" Fraser (Ind.) 403
Edward Freeman Gaunce (Ind.) 31
Harold Newton Fanjoy
Kings East P.A. "Pete" Dalton 4,662 Hazen Myers 2,737Mark Dibblee Connell 815Hazen Myers
Saint John Fundy Stuart Jamieson 2,724 Bev Harrison 2,399Ben Donaldson 1,459Bev Harrison
East Saint John Peter Trites 3,746Gary William Woodroffe 1,737Ervan Cronk 2,976Dolores H. Cook (Ind.) 375
Frank Brown (Ind.) 272
Peter Trites
Saint John Harbour Louis Murphy 2,705Gay Wittrien 830Kenneth Wilcox 768Louis Murphy
Saint John South John Mooney 1,974 Nancy Teed 1,133David Brown 1,416Nancy Teed
Saint John Park Shirley Dysart 2,596Jean Porter 820Paul Allen Maccovour 979Shirley Dysart
Saint John North Leo A. McAdam 2,753 Eric John Kipping 1,165Lesley Orill MacLean 952Eric John Kipping
Saint John West Jane Barry 4,208 G. M. Keith Dow 3,057Bob Jones 1,574G. M. Keith Dow
Charlotte-Fundy Eric Allaby 2,475 James Nelson Tucker 1,340Dorothy Matthews 220James Nelson Tucker
Charlotte Centre Sheldon Lee 2,431Stanley J. Smith 765Graham Richardson 133Sheldon Lee
Charlotte West Reid Hurley 2,286 Leland W. McGaw 1,434Ray "Bud" Parks 211Leland W. McGaw
St. Stephen-Milltown Ann Breault 2,054 Bob Jackson 1,922Rick MacMillan 132C. Ronald Campbell (Ind.) 21Bob Jackson

South East

Consisting of Kent, Westmorland and Albert county ridings.

Electoral DistrictCandidates Incumbent
 Liberal PC NDP Other
Kent North Conrad Landry 3,697Gérald Guimond 1,414Charles Richard 416Conrad Landry
Kent Centre Alan R. Graham 3,232Sammy Arsenault 662Neil Gardner 268Alan R. Graham
Kent South Camille Thériault 5,546 Omer Léger 3,242Gérald Mazerolle 522Omer Léger
Shediac Azor LeBlanc 7,219Allard Robichaud 2,087Omer W. Bourgue 858Azor LeBlanc
Tantramar Marilyn Trenholme 3,160 Lloyd Folkins 1,085 Robert Arthur Hall 1,825Robert Arthur Hall
Memramcook Greg O'Donnell 5,220 Clarence Cormier 2,914Claire Doiron 932Clarence Cormier
Moncton East Ray Frenette 5,131David Cutler 1,114Raymond Boucher 1,046Ray Frenette
Moncton North Mike McKee 6,570Stephen M. Trueman 1,083Chris Collins 1,099Mike McKee
Moncton West Jim Lockyer 4,853 Mabel DeWare 1,916David Lang 786Mabel DeWare
Petitcodiac Hollis S. Steeves 7,081 C.W. "Bill" Harmer 3,833Richard James Hay 2,368Bill Harmer
Riverview Hubert Seamans 5,357Dave Richardson 2,002Terry Boudreau 814Hubert Seamans
Albert Harold A. Terris 2,668 Malcolm MacLeod 1,818Eugene R. Marshall 765Malcolm MacLeod

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References

Sources