New Brunswick’s premier says he will seek another mandate in the next provincial election.
Blaine Higgs made the announcement in a Friday morning statement on his social media pages.
“With the encouragement of many colleagues and people from across the province, I am confirming my intention to remain as leader and to reoffer in the next provincial election,” said Higgs.
Higgs said the question about whether he would reoffer has become “increasingly relevant with the internal dissent that our government has experienced in the last six months.”
The premier has faced backlash within his party that has come to a head as he pushed forward with controversial changes to Policy 713, the province’s gender identity policy in schools.
Long-time Progressive Conservative MLAs Trevor Holder and Dorothy Shephard resigned from their cabinet roles in June.
Two other ministers — Jeff Carr and Daniel Allain — were removed from cabinet weeks later during a cabinet shuffle.
All four had previously sided with an opposition Liberal motion calling for more consultations on Policy 713.
That motion led to a scathing report by Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock, who said the changes violate the rights of children.
Higgs has also faced unsuccessful attempts from party members in recent weeks to force a review of his leadership.
“Together we have reached unprecedented levels of success since forming government in 2018,” said Higgs.
“It is extremely important that we continue to build on this momentum while at the same time addressing the many challenges that we continue to face.”
New Brunswick’s next scheduled provincial election is Oct. 21, 2024, but the premier could call one before then.
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