New Brunswick boots Liberals for Progressive Conservatives

Shawn Graham becomes the first premier in the province’s history to be voted out after only one term.

Observers projected a close election when the campaign began but the Progressive Conservatives got off to a quick start and ultimately won in 42 of the province’s 52 ridings. The major issue in the campaign was the Liberals’ attempt to sell NB Power to Hydro Quebec in order to alleviate some of New Brunswick’s $8.3 billion debt. The deal was hugely unpopular and Graham tweaked it several times but it eventually fell apart. Five parties were in the race but only the Liberals and Conservatives elected members. Graham says he’ll step down as party leader, and Conservative leader David Alward will take over as premier.