Former New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs remains a prominent figure in the province’s political landscape, defying the usual trend of defeated leaders who fade into the background. At the recent Progressive Conservative Party annual general meeting, Higgs openly discussed potential leadership candidates, the 2023 caucus rebellion against him, and the party’s future direction, including the possibility of a name change.
Higgs expressed skepticism about transforming the PC Party into a broad-based entity, suggesting that many who identify as “Progressive” Conservatives actually lean towards other political affiliations. He questioned the feasibility of making the party a “big tent” to accommodate diverse ideological leanings, stating that individuals not aligned with core conservative values should not be part of the party.
Addressing the party’s identity crisis post his defeat after a six-year tenure, Higgs urged a decision on whether the focus should be solely on winning elections or on effecting meaningful change in the province. He highlighted the challenge faced by the Tories in reconciling his vision with a potential shift towards a more inclusive approach to attract broader support for the 2028 election.
During his time in public office, Higgs often clashed with traditional party politics, emphasizing the limitations of middle-of-the-road compromises in governance. Reflecting on past attempts to diversify the party, such as integrating former NDP leader Dominic Cardy, Higgs acknowledged the shortcomings of these efforts.
The internal rift within the PC caucus, particularly over Policy 713 on pronouns and gender identity in schools, exposed deep divisions and ultimately led to a significant number of MLAs choosing not to seek re-election in 2024. Higgs’s recent remarks at the party meeting indicate lingering tensions and a reluctance to fully embrace reconciliation and unity within the party.
Despite calls for unity and a fresh start, including from interim PC Leader Glen Savoie, the specter of Higgs’s influence continues to loom over the party’s future direction. The ongoing debate over ideological alignment, leadership contenders, and the party’s image underscores the challenges facing the Progressive Conservatives as they navigate a path forward post-Higgs era.