New Brunswick.

• Date: 22 December 2020
• Author: Jensen, Shannon

Standing Committees

The Standing Committee on Procedure, Privileges and Legislative Officers, chairedby Stewart Fairgrieve, held a meeting on August 4 to discuss the potential costs associated with operating a safe provincial election amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Electoral Officer and Supervisor of Political Financing Kim Poffenroth outlined purchases related to increased safety measures, such as hand sanitizer, self-screening posters, face shields and masks, and physical barriers for polling officials and returning officers. She also discussed the Elections Act and how there are provisions for flexibility of processes during an ongoing emergency situation.

Dissolution

The 59th Legislature was dissolved on August 17. At dissolution, the standings in the House were 20 Progressive Conservatives, 20 Liberals, three Greens, three People's Alliance, one Independent, and two vacancies.

40th General Election

New Brunswick's 40th general election was held on September 14. It was the country's first election during the pandemic.

The election produced a majority government for the Progressive Conservatives and a second term for Premier Blaine Higgs. The Progressive Conservative Party won 27 seats, Kevin Vickers' Liberal Party won 17 seats, David Coon's Green...