Amid varying shades of blue, party catchphrases, and shared personnel, the Progressive Conservative campaign has evolved significantly from the era marked by Danny Williams’ “Anything But Conservative” stance.
In the recent April 2025 general election, Federal Conservative candidates, namely Carol Anstey, Jonathan Rowe, and Clifford Small, emerged victorious, securing seats in the House of Commons in Ottawa. While emphasizing the distinct identity of his provincial party, Tony Wakeham, the provincial PC Leader, acknowledged and praised his federal counterparts.
During a campaign event in St. John’s, Wakeham expressed agreement with several stances taken by the federal Conservatives, such as the elimination of the emissions cap, support for offshore oil development, and the removal of the carbon tax. These shared viewpoints could potentially benefit the party as the October 14 election approaches.
Notably, political analyst Kelly Blidook highlighted the opportunity for the PCs to leverage Conservative backing in the province. Blidook emphasized the importance of establishing connections with voters who previously supported the federal Conservatives.
Additionally, insider information revealed that many volunteers from the federal Conservative party are now involved in supporting the provincial PC campaign in Newfoundland and Labrador. Notably, Luis Lopez, known for his past roles within Conservative circles in Ontario, including working with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, is now aiding Wakeham’s campaign efforts.
Despite Neary’s acknowledgment of confusion among constituents regarding party affiliations, the potential benefits of aligning with the federal Tories were noted by Blidook, who also cautioned against association with less popular aspects of the federal party.
As the provincial election landscape continues to unfold, the strategic alignment and collaboration between the Progressive Conservatives at both federal and provincial levels could play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral outcomes.
For more information on party promises and campaign updates, readers can explore the provided links to the CBC N.L. platform tracker and Newfoundland Votes 2025 page.