John Hogan set to lead Newfoundland and Labrador 

Loud applause broke out as John Hogan was named premier-designate of Newfoundland and Labrador at the Liberal Party convention in St. John’s on Saturday. The former lawyer bear-hugged his daughter Maggie before stepping onto the stage to deliver his victory speech.

“It’s an incredible honor to be chosen to lead the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador and to be the next premier of this province,” The 47-year-old father and husband told the crowd. “I recognize it comes with heavy responsibility; lead with integrity and humility to listen and to work tirelessly for the people of our province, and I’m committed to giving this everything I have.”

With over 77 per cent of the vote from registered Liberals, Hogan defeated St. John’s East–Quidi Vidi MHA and fellow cabinet minister John Abbott. The leadership vote was triggered after Premier Andrew Furey announced his resignation in late February, citing a desire to return to medicine and spend more time with his family.

Bob Mercer, who has been attending the Liberal conventions since 1969, said he is “elated” with Hogan’s win. 

In his victory speech, Hogan said he has “a clear vision of what must be done” to lead the Liberal Party and the province. While he did not offer specifics on that vision, the Windsor Lake MHA identified his key priorities, including addressing tariff threats and navigating ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States. “We’re going to continue to support workers, local businesses and champion our valuable natural resources. We will be there for you and your families through any impacts of tariffs,” he said.  

Hogan, who served as minister of health and community services until March of this year, also spoke about focusing on health care and senior care. He highlighted the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding with Hydro-Québec last December, calling it “an extraordinary opportunity, and one that can transform not just the fortunes but the entire spirit of our province.” 

Noting the original 1969 Churchill Falls agreement with Québec, and the Muskrat Falls project, Hogan said that with “two strikes” against the province, Newfoundland and Labrador can’t afford a “third strike.” He said the Liberals will negotiate the final agreements to ensure the best deal for the province.

Once sworn in, Hogan will become the province’s 15th premier and will lead the Liberals in the next provincial election, which must be held by October. “We will continue to advance the plan to transform our healthcare system, our roadmap based on the health accord, until all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to primary healthcare and seniors can age well at home and with dignity,” Hogan said Saturday.

Elsie Parsons, a member who attended the convention sporting a red Liberal Party jacket, said she is happy with Hogan’s win and is excited to see him lead the party. “He’s young, he’s educated. He seems to be down to earth, [he’s] got a young family, and he’s interested in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.” 

Minutes before the party announced its new leader, Hogan told members and journalists his family inspired him to run. “When I did think about running and putting my name forward, a lot of people said, ‘Oh, your kids, your kids — make sure you know your kids are okay with it. Is your family going to be okay?’ And people were kind of implying they were a reason not to do it,” he said. “But they’re the reason to do it. They’re the reason to get involved in politics.”

Hogan also stressed he wants to bring Newfoundland and Labrador to its “full potential” so his children’s generation can achieve success at home.