Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier-designate on how the Tories won power

Newfoundland and Labrador premier-designate Tony Wakeham speaks at a Progressive Conservative campaign party on election night in Stephenville, N.L., on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jessica Stapleton

ST. JOHN’S — Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier-designate says one of the key factors behind his party’s election victory this week was how they responded to the frustration felt by rural voters.

Tony Wakeham, whose Progressive Conservatives won a majority government on Tuesday, says in an interview the province’s rural residents have made it clear they feel like they are being left behind.

Wakeham says rural voters were also feeling a sense of urgency about improving access to health care, paying less taxes and combating crime — issues he says were championed by the Tories.

As well, Wakeham says he isn’t worried about the possibility that the separatist Parti Québécois will win the next election in Quebec and demand new terms on a multi-billion dollar energy deal.

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Wakeham says he is focusing instead on ensuring the draft agreement is improved through a review conducted by an independent third party, as promised during the campaign.

The Tories’ election win followed electoral gains made in the province by the federal Conservatives, who in the spring won three rural ridings — a gain of two seats — despite the federal Liberals’ election win under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2025.