Tory leader David Alward elected with overwhelming majority
David Alward, leader of the New Brunswick Progressive Conservatives, was elected with a strong majority government in Monday’s provincial election. Alward will lead 42 Tory MLAs compared to 13 Liberals, handily beating outgoing Liberal premier Shawn Graham. The Tories will now be expected to realize of campaign promises that include balancing the budget in four years—the province has a $749-million deficit —while simultaneously freezing property task assessments for seniors and freezing NB power rates for three years. Alward has also promised to reduce the number of cabinet ministers from 20 plus the premier to 15 plus the premier. Alward will be sworn in on October 12.