Liberal Leader Hogan campaigns in key districts after Trades N.L. endorses PC’s Wakeham, pledging jobs and infrastructure across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Liberal Leader Responds to Trades N.L. Endorsement
After Trades N.L. endorsed Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham on Thursday, Liberal Leader John Hogan faced a political setback while campaigning across Newfoundland and Labrador. The province’s largest trades organization, representing over 14,000 workers, cited the PC Party’s proactive approach to local projects.
Hogan, speaking to reporters Friday, emphasized his commitment to trades workers. “We will make sure that we protect every single possible job for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and for those trades workers here in this province,” he said.
Trades N.L. Executive Director Bob Fiander said the endorsement reflects the organization’s confidence in the PCs. “The PC Party showed no hesitation in coming out and getting on board with regards to doing work in this province. We haven’t heard tell of the Liberal government at all.”
Jobs and Economic Plans Highlighted
Hogan criticized Wakeham for not supporting the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which the Liberals describe as a major job creation plan for the province. “Trades N.L. has supported a leader who will not commit to those 10,000 jobs,” Hogan said. “I’ve committed to those jobs, I’ve committed to the jobs offshore and I’m committed to all the other opportunities, including in Labrador West and throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Campaign Tour Targets Traditional PC Seats
Hogan spent the third week of the campaign visiting blue districts in an effort to shift voter support.
- Fogo Island-Cape Freels: Hogan joined Liberal candidate Dale Lewis, a former Mountie, who is trying to reclaim the district following PC Jim McKenna’s 2024 byelection win. Lewis focused on local concerns such as healthcare and fisheries. “Through my policing I got to know most of the district, and they need a voice. And I’m that voice,” he said.
- Paradise: Hogan pledged a $10–12 million interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway, supporting Liberal candidate Dan Bobbett, the former mayor. Topsail-Paradise has been PC-held since 2015.
- Ferryland: Liberal Cheryl O’Brien is making a second attempt to win a seat long held by the PCs since 1971. In 2021, she received 44.43 per cent of the vote compared to incumbent Loyola O’Driscoll’s 52.33 per cent. “I believe in myself, or I wouldn’t be running. I know I have a strong voice. I know I will be an advocate for people,” she said.
Political Landscape Ahead
The Liberals face an uphill battle flipping districts that have traditionally voted PC, especially with Trades N.L.’s endorsement of Wakeham. Hogan’s campaign continues to emphasize job creation, infrastructure investments, and regional development as key priorities to attract voters across Newfoundland and Labrador.
