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3h ago

Newfoundland and Labrador Election Too Close to Call as Early Returns Shift

Early hand counts point to a volatile, district-by-district contest that could shape the fate of a proposed Hydro‑Québec agreement.

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A small crowd of Liberal supporters are watching results come in at The Sheraton in St. John’s, N.L.
Supporters watch results come in at Liberal headquarters inside the Sheraton Hotel ballroom in St. John’s, N.L.

Overview

  • Polls have closed and hand counting is producing a neck-and-neck race, with an early snapshot showing Liberals leading or elected in 19 ridings and PCs in 17, short of the 21 needed for a majority.
  • Liberal Leader John Hogan and PC Leader Tony Wakeham are each projected to keep their seats, and NDP Leader Jim Dinn is projected to return in St. John’s Centre.
  • A memorandum with Hydro‑Québec dominated the campaign, with Hogan promoting potential $225 billion revenues over 50 years and Wakeham pledging an independent review of the draft deal.
  • The next government will inherit a heavy fiscal load, with net debt projected to approach $20 billion as voters press for action on health care, housing and cost of living.
  • NDP candidates are on the ballot in every district, and CBC projections show Independents Eddie Joyce and Paul Lane holding their seats as several ridings remain too close to call.