If you follow provincial politics, you know New Brunswick is getting another conservative political party. Jason Purdy, a Progressive Conservative Party member, is launching the New Brunswick Party. He decided to create this alternative after Daniel Allain won the PC leadership. According to a report by CBC News, Purdy feels Allain is too socially progressive for regular Tories.

Why the Split?

Purdy wants no part of Allain’s vision for the PC party. He describes regular Tories as conservative minded and fiscally responsible, rather than socially progressive. During the leadership race, Purdy criticized Allain, calling him a Liberal Lite urban French activist. This frustration stems from 2023, when Allain and five other PC MLAs voted against the Blaine Higgs government regarding an education policy on gender identity.

Purdy insists the New Brunswick Party will avoid extremes. He stated that radical left or radical right ideas are not accepted. He also confirmed that anyone making bigoted or racist comments will get booted.

The Road Ahead for the New Brunswick Party

To make this official, the party needs riding associations in 10 provincial election ridings to register with Elections New Brunswick. They also need candidates in at least 10 ridings to appear on the ballot. Purdy plans to register within a month. He has a dozen people ready to organize and several hundred more showing interest.

Allain currently lacks a seat in the legislature. When a PC MLA resigns to trigger a byelection for Allain, Purdy plans to run a candidate against him. He believes defeating Allain will force the PCs to choose a new, conservative leaning leader.

PC Leadership Reaction

Allain won the leadership with 58.6 percent of the vote. He remains unbothered by the new party. “Parties come and go in New Brunswick,” Allain said. He pointed to the 4,000 members who voted in the leadership race as proof of a strong PC party.

Kris Austin, a current PC caucus member and former leader of the People’s Alliance, called the new party counterproductive. He noted that Conservatives often struggle by fighting in public and need to find common ground to move forward united.

A History of Fractured Conservatives

When registered, this marks the third time in four decades that unhappy Tories have formed a breakaway party. The Confederation of Regions party launched in 1989 and won eight seats in 1991 before internal feuds destroyed it. The People’s Alliance formed in 2010, elected three MLAs in 2018, and eventually saw its leader join the PCs in 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the new political party?

The new party is called the New Brunswick Party.

Who is starting the New Brunswick Party?

Jason Purdy, a former Progressive Conservative Party member, is launching the party.

Why is Jason Purdy starting a new party?

Purdy believes new PC leader Daniel Allain is too socially progressive and wants a fiscally responsible conservative alternative.

What are the requirements to register a new political party in New Brunswick?

A party needs riding associations in 10 provincial election ridings to register with Elections New Brunswick.