New Brunswick Demonstrates How to Hold Election Amid Pandemic

Social media, amateur videos, and a focus on the leader hallmarks of first major election during pandemic

Premier Blaine Higgs embraces his wife and daughters after winning the New Brunswick provincial election, in Quispamsis, N.B., on Sept. 14, 2020. The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan

Blaine Higgs made Canadian history in New Brunswick on Sept. 14 as his Progressive Conservatives won a majority government without any candidate knocking on doors. The pandemic forced politics to be done differently, offering valuable clues for upcoming elections in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, and possibly federally.

Higgs upgraded his minority Progressive Conservative government to a majority after a 28-day campaign. The PC’s won 27 seats, the Liberals 18, the Greens three, and the People’s Alliance one.