Newfoundland and Labrador election: polls close across the easternmost province

By Canadian Press on October 14, 2025.

ST. JOHN’S — The polls have closed in Newfoundland and Labrador after an election campaign that saw the governing Liberals promising to conclude a multibillion-dollar energy deal that they say will deliver economic salvation.

Incumbent Premier John Hogan says the proposed agreement between Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro could inject $225 billion into the provincial treasury over 50 years.

But his main rival, Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham, has argued the deal is not as good as it could be.

He’s pledged to have the document reviewed by an independent third party, and then press for better terms.

The New Democrats, led by 65-year-old former teacher Jim Dinn, were not expected to be a contender in the election race, having never held more than five seats in the legislature.

Regardless of who wins the election, they’ll have to deal with the province’s ballooning debt, expected to reach almost $20 billion next year — the largest per capita provincial debt in the country.

Meanwhile, health care, housing and the cost of living all figured prominently during the campaign, but the fate of the Quebec energy deal dominated discussion on the hustings.

When the election was called, the Liberals held 19 of the legislature’s 40 seats, the Progressive Conservatives held 14, the NDP had one, and there were two Independents and four vacant seats.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2025.

The Canadian Press