2022 Nova Scotia Liberal Party leadership election

2022 Nova Scotia Liberal Party leadership election
← 2021 July 9, 2022[1]
Turnout3,287 Delegates
 
Candidate Zach Churchill Angela Simmonds
Riding Yarmouth Preston
First Ballot 3,580
65.09% 		1,920
34.91%
Leader before election

Iain Rankin

 Elected Leader

Zach Churchill

2022 Nova Scotia Liberal Party leadership election
DateJuly 9, 2022[1]
ConventionHalifax Convention Centre
Resigning leaderIain Rankin
Won byZach Churchill
Ballots1
Candidates2
Entrance Fee$30,000[2]
Spending limit$250,000[3]
Nova Scotia Liberal Party leadership elections
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The 2022 Nova Scotia Liberal Party leadership election took place on July 9, 2022[1] to elect a leader to replace Iain Rankin, who announced his intent to resign on January 5, 2022[4] after leading the party since 2021 and following the party's defeat in the 2021 Nova Scotia general election.

Background

Iain Rankin announced that he would be resigning as leader on January 6, 2022, following the party's defeat in the 2021 general election and after consulting with his family.[5] Rankin remained Leader of the Opposition and leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party until a successor was chosen.

Timeline

2022

  • January 5 – Iain Rankin announces his resignation as leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.[5]
  • January 30 – The party unveils the base set of rules for the election.[1]
  • February 4 – Angela Simmonds declares her candidacy.[6]
  • February 14 – The official rules for the leadership election will be released.[1]
  • February 19 – Zach Churchill declares his candidacy.[7]
  • March 4–5 – Liberal Party Annual General Meeting is held.[8]
  • March 5 – A new Nova Scotia Liberal Party board is elected.[8]
  • March 21 – Last day to register as a candidate.[1]
  • July 9 – Leadership convention is held.[1]

Candidates

Declared

Zach Churchill

Zach Churchill is the MLA for Yarmouth, having served since 2010. In the McNeil and Rankin governments, he served as Minister of Health and Wellness, Natural Resources, Municipal Affairs, Communications Nova Scotia, and Education and Early Childhood Development. Prior to announcing his candidacy, Churchill served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition as well as the critic for Health and Wellness and Health Care Professionals Recruitment.[9]

Candidacy announced: February 19, 2022[7]
Campaign website: www.votezachchurchill.ca
Platform of Zach Churchill
Platform:
  • Building stronger links with: Liberal Caucus, Electoral District Associations, and Voters.
  • Creation of an Election Readiness Committee
Endorsements of Zach Churchill (31)
MLAs: (7)
Federal politicians: (1)
Municipal politicians: (3)
Former MLAs: (8)
Former federal politicians: (1)
Former municipal politicians: (1)
Riding Association Executives:
Other prominent individuals: (10)
Total endorsements: 31

Angela Simmonds

Angela Simmonds

Angela Simmonds is the MLA for Preston, having served since 2021. Prior to announcing her candidacy, Simmonds has been serving as Deputy Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly and Opposition critic for Justice, Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives, Human Rights Commission and Accessibility Act.[9]

Candidacy announced: February 4, 2022[6]
Campaign website: www.angelafornovascotia.ca
Platform of Angela Simmonds
Platform:
  • Charting a clear path to renewal in the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.
  • Increasing support for Liberal Electoral District Associations.
  • Creation of an Election Readiness Committee within the Party.
  • Increased diversity within the Nova Scotia Liberal Party and the provincial government.
Endorsements of Angela Simmonds (18)
MLAs: (3)
Federal politicians: (2)
Municipal politicians:
Former MLAs: (4)
  • Wayne Adams (Former MLA for Preston, 1993-1998; former Minister of the Environment; former Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act; former Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority; former Deputy Mayor for Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1982-1983)[39]
  • Joanne Bernard (Former MLA for Dartmouth North, 2013-2017; former Minister of Community Services, 2013-2017)[40]
  • Don Downe (Former MLA for Lunenburg West, 1993-2003; Former President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture; Minister of Business and Consumer Services, (1993-1996); Minister of Transportation and Public Works, (1996-1998); Minister of Finance, (1998-2003); Minister of Environment, (1998-2003); Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, (1998-2003); Deputy Premier, (1998-2003); Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, (2008-2016)[41]
  • Suzanne Lohnes-Croft (Former MLA for Lunenburg, 2013-2021)[41][42]
Former federal politicians: (1)
Former municipal politicians:
Riding Association Executives: (5)
Other prominent individuals: (4)
Total endorsements: 18

Declined

Debates

Debates among candidates for the 2022 Liberal Party of Nova Scotia leadership election
No. Date Time Place Participants
 P  Participant
 N  Non-invitee  A  Absent invitee  O  Out of race (exploring or withdrawn) 		Zach Churchill Angela Simmonds
Nova Scotia Liberal Party leadership election debates
1 April 28, 2022 7 p.m. Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax P P
2 May 16, 2022 7 p.m. Centre 200, Sydney P P
3 June 6, 2022 7 p.m. White Point Beach Resort, White Point P P

Results

  = Winner
Candidate Ballot 1
Name Votes Points
Zach Churchill 2,186
66.50%		 3,580.00
65.09%
Angela Simmonds 1,101
33.50%		 1,920.00
34.91%
TOTAL 3,287 5,500
Ballot 1
Riding Zach Churchill Angela Simmonds Total
Votes Points Votes Points Votes
Annapolis 68 75.00 23 25.00 91
Antigonish 46 65.00 25 35.00 71
Argyle 54 100.00 0 0.00 54
Bedford Basin 55 65.00 30 35.00 85
Bedford South 63 72.00 24 28.00 87
Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier 38 86.00 6 14.00 44
Cape Breton East 53 70.00 23 30.00 76
Chester-St. Margaret's 45 64.00 25 36.00 70
Clare 55 95.00 3 5.00 58
Clayton Park West 73 70.00 32 30.00 105
Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley 18 78.00 5 22.00 23
Colchester North 19 54.00 6 46.00 35
Cole Harbour 13 39.00 20 61.00 33
Cole Harbour-Dartmouth 56 65.00 30 35.00 86
Cumberland North 26 54.00 22 46.00 48
Cumberland South 23 72.00 9 28.00 32
Dartmouth East 52 54.00 44 46.00 96
Dartmouth North 23 43.00 30 57.00 53
Dartmouth South 22 42.00 30 58.00 52
Digby-Annapolis 30 73.00 11 27.00 41
Eastern Passage 21 75.00 7 25.00 28
Eastern Shore 24 59.00 17 41.00 41
Fairview-Clayton Park 45 70.00 19 30.00 64
Glace Bay-Dominion 61 88.00 8 12.00 69
Guysborough-Tracadie 20 65.00 11 35.00 31
Halifax Armdale 43 70.00 18 30.00 61
Halifax Atlantic 18 35.00 34 65.00 52
Halifax Chebucto 47 49.00 48 51.00 95
Halifax Citadel-Sable Island 81 65.00 43 35.00 124
Halifax Needham 48 44.00 60 56.00 108
Hammonds Plains-Lucasville 26 47.00 29 53.00 55
Hants East 30 71.00 12 29.00 42
Hants West 40 80.00 10 20.00 50
Inverness 55 70.00 24 30.00 79
Kings North 31 63.00 18 37.00 49
Kings South 27 52.00 25 48.00 52
Kings West 38 78.00 11 22.00 49
Lunenburg 24 65.00 13 35.00 37
Lunenburg West 35 64.00 20 36.00 55
Northside-Westmount 19 44.00 24 56.00 43
Pictou Centre 41 61.00 26 39.00 67
Pictou East 26 54.00 22 46.00 48
Pictou West 24 75.00 8 25.00 32
Preston 11 16.00 57 84.00 68
Queens 22 71.00 9 29.00 31
Richmond 80 88.00 11 12.00 91
Sackville-Cobequid 15 47.00 17 53.00 32
Sackville-Uniacke 11 48.00 12 52.00 23
Shelburne 26 96.00 1 4.00 27
Sydney-Membertou 58 87.00 9 13.00 67
Timberlea-Prospect 27 51.00 26 49.00 53
Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River 27 57.00 20 43.00 47
Victoria-The Lakes 39 78.00 11 22.00 50
Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank 16 59.00 11 41.00 27
Yarmouth 198 99.00 2 1.00 200

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Gorman, Michael [@MichaelTGorman] (January 30, 2022). ".@LiberalPartyNS members will select next leader July 9. Will happen via phone and electronic voting. One member, one vote. Preferential ballot. Complete rules to come Feb. 14. Deadline for candidates is March 21. So far @zachchurchill and @FredTilleyNS have indicated interest" (Tweet). Retrieved January 30, 2022 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ Ramesar, Vernon (January 30, 2022). "Provincial NDP, Liberals announce leadership plans". CBC Nova Scotia. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  3. ^ "Rules Governing the 2022 Nova Scotia Liberal Party Leadership Convention" (PDF). liberal.ns.ca. Nova Scotia Liberal Party. February 22, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  4. ^ Edwards, Danielle (January 5, 2022). "Iain Rankin, former Nova Scotia premier, resigns as provincial Liberal leader". The Canadian Press. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Gorman, Michael (January 5, 2022). "Iain Rankin to step down as N.S. Liberal Party leader". CBC Nova Scotia. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Gorman, Michael (February 4, 2022). "MLA Angela Simmonds launches N.S. Liberal leadership bid". CBC Nova Scotia. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Comeau, Tina (February 19, 2022). "Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill to seek leadership of Nova Scotia Liberal Party". Saltwire. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "AGM 2022". Nova Scotia's Liberals. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Cooke, Alex (September 7, 2021). "N.S. Liberal leader Iain Rankin announces Opposition critics". Global News. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Endorsements". VoteZachChurchill. Zach Churchill. February 22, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  11. ^ a b Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (February 22, 2022). "Today I was honoured to be joined by my family, friends and supporting caucus members to officially launch my campaign to be Leader of the @LiberalPartyNS. We've got a lot of work to do. I'm ready for this and I know you are too. Visit http://votezachchurchill.ca to join us" (Tweet). Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Twitter.
  12. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (June 3, 2022). "I'm excited to announce the support of Rafah DiConstanzo, the hard-working Liberal MLA for Clayton Park West. Rafah's dedication to her constituents and community is inspiring— her support means the world to me" (Tweet). Retrieved June 3, 2022 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (June 3, 2022). "I'm excited to have the support of my friend and colleague, @MombourquetteNS. Derek's dedication to his community is exemplary; his input and advice, especially on issues related to Cape Breton, is a valuable asset to our campaign" (Tweet). Retrieved June 3, 2022 – via Twitter.
  14. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 3, 2022). "I'm excited to have the support of @LenaMetlegeDiab, MP for Halifax West, in this campaign. She is a tireless advocate for her community, and a huge asset to our Liberal team in Halifax!" (Tweet). Retrieved March 3, 2022 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 4, 2022). "Today, I visited a friend from my time in student politics, Councillor @shawncleary. We had a great chat about affordable housing, community development and social justice. I'm proud to have him on my team!" (Tweet). Retrieved March 4, 2022 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 22, 2022). "TWorking lunch at the Doryman Pub & Grill in Chéticamp with Councillor Claude Poirier and some local volunteers. The work to prepare our party for the next election is happening in communities across Nova Scotia" (Tweet). Retrieved March 22, 2022 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 27, 2022). "As we build our party for the next election I am proud to have Matt standing with me. We have so many talented people in our party and as the leader I will make sure every voice is heard" (Tweet). Retrieved March 27, 2022 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 8, 2022). "These women and many more have honoured me with their support during this leadership. Your strength, wisdom and leadership are invaluable to me as we move our party and our province forward. #IWD2022!" (Tweet). Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 24, 2022). "I'm proud to have the endorsement of Hon. Keith Colwell, former MLA for Preston-Dartmouth. Keith has been a mentor of mine since I was first elected in 2010 and was a big supporter of our fishing & agriculture sectors in gov't. Thank you Keith for your continued advice & support" (Tweet). Retrieved March 24, 2022 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ a b c Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 23, 2022). "A wonderful evening in Sydney with Dave Wilton, Heather Peters, Paul Ratchford, John John McCarthy and some great Liberal volunteers & organizers. Rebuilding our grassroots organization is vital to winning the next election. It all starts here" (Tweet). Retrieved March 23, 2022 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 31, 2022). "I'm proud to have the support of Hon. Gordon Wilson, former Environment Minister & MLA for Clare-Digby. Thank you, Gordon! #ReadyToLead" (Tweet). Retrieved March 31, 2022 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (April 21, 2022). "I'm thrilled to have the support of Wayne Gaudet, the former MLA for Clare. Wayne has spent decades fighting for his community. Thank you Wayne!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (April 20, 2022). "I'm excited to have the support of my friend and former colleague, Pam Eyking. Pam is a fierce advocate for her community and knows what it takes for Liberals to win back rural Cape Breton" (Tweet). Retrieved April 20, 2022 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (May 5, 2022). "It means so much to have the support of my friend and former colleague, Leo Glavine. Leo is well respected by Liberals and people from one end of NS to the other. Leo helped me on my first campaign in 2010 and has been a mentor and supportive force in my life since" (Tweet). Retrieved May 5, 2022 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 14, 2022). "I'mGreat to be with MLA Ronnie Leblanc, former MP and Minister Robert Thibault and supporters in Clare; tremendous Liberals and great organizers. I appreciate your support and friendship over the years. It was also amazing to see progress on the new Villa Acadienne LTC home!" (Tweet). Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (April 25, 2022). "I'm proud to have the support of @DartmouthG, a great leader in Nova Scotia politics, former Mayor of Dartmouth and HRM councillor. Thank you, Gloria!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 25, 2022 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (February 24, 2022). "John John McCarthy is an authentic community-minded individual, a teacher, an exceptional athlete and a trainer who sees the potential in everyone. It was great to catch up with him yesterday in Dominion. Thanks for your support, John John!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 24, 2022 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 13, 2022). "Had a great meeting with a supporter and the former candidate for Kings North, Geof Turner, along with fellow Liberals. We discussed ways to grow our rural economy & win in 2025" (Tweet). Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 12, 2022). "Kenny John Jackson is someone I have an enormous amount of respect for. To have his endorsement means so very much to me and I look forward to working with him and everyone in Cumberland" (Tweet). Retrieved March 12, 2022 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 25, 2022). "It is a privilege to have the support and trust of a longtime member, past candidate and experienced professional such as Martin. I look forward to working with him over the campaign and into the future" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2022 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 20, 2022). "I'm excited to have the support of Penny Smith, our Liberal candidate of record and municipal councillor in Shelburne. Thanks, Penny! #ReadyToLead" (Tweet). Retrieved March 20, 2022 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (March 29, 2022). "I'm excited to have the support of Alxys Chamberlain, our federal Liberal candidate of record for West Nova. #ReadyToLead" (Tweet). Retrieved March 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ Churchill, Zach [@zachchurchill] (May 11, 2022). "I'm proud to have the support of Vishal Bhardwaj, a community leader and former candidate in the riding of Dartmouth South. Thank you, Vishal!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 11, 2022 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ a b Duale, Ali [@Aliduale1] (February 4, 2022). "This comes as no surprise, Angela has made history, but she is also shaping the future! Let's be a part of this movement @AngelaForNS" (Tweet). Retrieved February 4, 2022 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ a b Maguire, Brendan [@brendanmaguirens] (February 4, 2022). "I am 100% behind Angela Simmonds to be the next leader of the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia. Angela, was a small business owner who has overcome so much, pregnant at 18 she raised a beautiful caring family, at age 35 she went back to school to become a lawyer. With her law degree, she fought for human rights and was on the front line of the land title dispute in Preston. I have had many conversations with Angela, this is not about her, it isn't about political parties, it is about Nova Scotian's, that is what drives her and that is what brought me to support her bid for Liberal Leadership. Some may call her the underdog, I call her a fighter. I am so proud to support her and call her a friend. LETS GO Brendan Maguire". Retrieved February 13, 2022 – via Instagram.
  36. ^ a b Gorman, Michael [@MichaelTGorman] (February 18, 2022). ".@FredTilleyNS, once thought to be a potential @LiberalPartyNS leadership candidate, is endorsing @AngelaForNS "I was considering it, but what really made me decide against entering was that I feel that the best person for the job already has," he says in a news release. #NSpoli" (Tweet). Retrieved February 18, 2022 – via Twitter.
  37. ^ Fillmore, Andy [@AndyFillmoreHFX] (March 3, 2022). "Today I'm throwing my support behind Angela to lead @LiberalPartyNS. This is the moment to renew our party. @AngelaForNS brings the new energy we need now. Politics is about people—and Nova Scotians will see themselves in Angela's story, work ethic, and strength of character" (Tweet). Retrieved March 3, 2022 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ Ien, Marci [@MarciIen] (February 4, 2022). "🙌🏾Add Women. Change politics" (Tweet). Retrieved February 13, 2022 – via Twitter.
  39. ^ a b "Your Voices". angelafornovascotia.ca. Angela Simmonds. February 23, 2022. Archived from the original on February 24, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  40. ^ Bernard, Joanne [@JoanneLynnNS] (February 4, 2022). "I am so pleased and proud to be helping this fierce and amazing woman to become the next leader of the NS Liberal Party" (Tweet). Retrieved February 4, 2022 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ a b c "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  42. ^ a b Simmonds, Angela. "Endorsements". Twitter. Archived from the original on April 24, 2022.
  43. ^ Gorman, Michael (February 23, 2022). "Angela Simmonds announces former senator as N.S. Liberal leadership campaign chair". CBC Nova Scotia. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  44. ^ a b c d Support Mega Mix Volume II, retrieved March 8, 2022
  45. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  46. ^ Holt, Susan. "Susan Holt endorsement". Twitter. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022.
  47. ^ Simmonds, Angela. "Jim McKenna Endorsement". Twitter. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022.
  48. ^ a b Gorman, Michael (January 7, 2022). "Liberal Party AGM to go ahead despite Rankin's resignation". CBC Nova Scotia. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  49. ^ Gorman, Michael [@MichaelTGorman] (January 10, 2022). ".@LiberalPartyNS MLA Kelly Regan confirms she will NOT seek the party leadership. #NSpoli" (Tweet). Retrieved January 19, 2022 – via Twitter.