Blaine Higgs continues to be a prominent figure in New Brunswick politics even after his defeat. Unlike most former premiers who stay quiet post-defeat, Higgs made a notable appearance at the Progressive Conservative Party’s annual general meeting. He shared opinions on potential leadership candidates, the 2023 caucus rebellion against him, and the idea of renaming the party.
Higgs expressed skepticism about turning the PCs into a broad-based party, suggesting that many “Progressive” Conservatives are actually supporters of other political ideologies. He questioned the effectiveness of trying to appeal to a wide range of voters and pondered whether the focus should be on winning elections or making a positive impact on the province.
The dilemma facing the Tories post-Higgs’s defeat revolves around whether to stick with his vision or broaden their base for the 2028 elections. Throughout his political career, Higgs advocated against the compromises of middle-of-the-road politics, believing they hinder effective governance.
Reflecting on past attempts to broaden the party, Higgs mentioned his unsuccessful integration of former NDP leader Dominic Cardy into the PC ranks in 2017. This move backfired when Cardy resigned as education minister in 2022. Higgs’s critics within the party felt he failed to consider diverse viewpoints and neglected the essential responsibilities of party leadership.
The internal dissent peaked in 2023 when several PC MLAs broke ranks over Policy 713, causing a public split that damaged Higgs’s image as a competent leader. The aftermath saw several PC MLAs opting not to seek re-election in 2024.
At the recent party meeting, Higgs expressed resentment towards party members who supported liberal candidates in the previous election and showed hesitance towards former MLA Daniel Allain’s bid for party leadership. Higgs’s endorsement of MLA Kris Austin, who remained loyal during the caucus turmoil, further complicated the party’s leadership dynamics.
Interim PC Leader Glen Savoie aimed to steer the party’s focus towards the Holt Liberal government but faced distractions due to Higgs’s interventions. The party members emphasized the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption to move past the internal rift.
Despite the general consensus among party members to move forward and leave past conflicts behind, Higgs appeared to be the exception, hinting at lingering tensions within the party.