NDP leader condemns Wakeham, PCs over appointment of conservative strategist Steve Outhouse

Newfoundland and Labrador NDP Leader Jim Dinn has asked incoming Progressive Conservative Premier Tony Wakeham to “clearly state” his support of diversity, equity and inclusion “and commit to upholding the rights and personal safety of all individuals regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.”

The request was made in an Oct. 28 letter to Wakeham amid growing concern from residents over the background of a conservative strategist hired by the PCs to facilitate their transition to government. On Tuesday The Independent reported some of the concerns about Steve Outhouse, a former Baptist minister who helped lead the election campaigns of right-wing conservative parties in Alberta and New Brunswick.

“Considering Mr. Outhouse’s ideology, political history and policy initiatives, we are concerned about the influence he will have on your government’s legislation and policy and ask that you clarify your government’s stance on these issues,” Dinn writes in his letter to Wakeham, who is scheduled to be sworn in as Newfoundland and Labrador’s 16th premier Wednesday in St. John’s.

On Oct. 22 Wakeham announced a team of four individuals, including Outhouse, to “help guide the transition, ensure continuity of services, and prepare the new government to deliver on its commitments.” Since then observers have expressed fear and ire over Outhouse’s connections to the Danielle Smith-led United Conservative Party in Alberta and the New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Party led by Blaine Higgs, both of which have pushed controversial right-wing policies in their respective provinces.

“Mr. Outhouse was the Campaign Manager for Danielle Smith in 2023, a premier who has now forcefully legislated teachers back to work and rolled out legislation to ban books in the school system,” Dinn writes in the letter. “He was instrumental in the crafting of Policy 713 from former New Brunswick Premier, Blaine Higgs, and his Progressive Conservative government which targeted 2SLGBTQIA+ students in K-12 in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Provincial Human Rights Act.”

Outhouse did not respond to The Independent’s interview request on Monday and the PC Party said neither Outhouse nor Wakeham were available for interviews on Tuesday.

“Considering how closely your party worked with the federal Conservatives during this campaign, a party that seems to be mirroring President Trump’s tactics, we need you to clearly state your support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and commit to upholding the rights and personal safety of all individuals regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.,” Dinn writes in his letter.

“In particular, I would like to hear your answers to the questions posed in the letters and emails I received regarding school and student safety, health care and human rights, public service and Crown corporations, and inclusive governance.”

Read Jim Dinn’s letter to Tony Wakeham below.