Lorraine Michael and the NDP have made a historic breakthrough in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The party picked up a record-high five seats in last night’s provincial election, four of which were in the City of St. John’s, and placed a strong second in 23 ridings. They also came within one seat of forming the opposition.
Michael will be joined in caucus by:
- Gerry Rogers in St. John’s Centre
- Dale Kirby, the party president, St. John’s North
- George Murphy in St. John’s East
-
Christopher Mitchelmore in The Straits-White Bay North
The New Democrats had previously never held more than two seats.
CUPE had four members running in this election. Here’s how they fared:
- Julie Mitchell, a school board worker and candidate twice before, lost by just 40 votes to the PC incumbent Burin-Placentia West (a recount is expected)
- Bill Kavanagh, a member of Local 1615 at Memorial University, finished a strong second in Conception Bay East-Bell Island
- Keith Dunne, an organizer with the Canadian Federation of Students at Memorial, finished a very strong second in St. John’s South
-
Paul Boundridge, a Local 1289 members with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, finished a very strong second in Kilbride
There are a total of 48 seats in the provincial legislature. The PC’s formed a majority government with 37 seats. Kathy Dunderdale becomes the first elected female premier in Canadian history.