Blaine Higgs continues to be a prominent figure in New Brunswick politics, diverging from the typical exit of defeated premiers by actively participating in discussions about the future direction of the Progressive Conservative Party. At the party’s annual general meeting, Higgs shared insights on potential leadership candidates, the 2023 caucus rebellion against him, and the party’s possible renaming.
Higgs expressed skepticism about transforming the PCs into a broad-based party, citing that many self-proclaimed “Progressive” Conservatives actually align with other political ideologies. He suggested that individuals with Liberal, NDP, or Green sympathies should not be part of the party. Additionally, he found the idea of removing “Progressive” from the party name intriguing, emphasizing the need for the Conservatives to define their identity and purpose beyond mere electoral success.
Following a six-year tenure in power, the Tories face a critical decision regarding whether to embrace Higgs’s vision or adopt a more inclusive approach to attract support for the upcoming 2028 election. Throughout his political career, Higgs advocated against compromising on party principles for the sake of governance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Higgs reflected on his past efforts to broaden the party’s appeal, including recruiting former NDP leader Dominic Cardy in 2017, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Disagreements within the PC caucus, particularly over Policy 713 concerning pronouns and gender identity in schools, led to a significant split in 2023, resulting in several MLAs distancing themselves from his leadership.
Despite experiencing internal strife and departures from the party, Higgs remains resilient and critical of those who supported his opponents. He commended MLA Kris Austin for his loyalty and integrity while expressing reservations about former MLA Daniel Allain’s bid for party leadership due to his involvement in the caucus rebellion.
The ongoing debate within the PC Party reflects differing opinions on the party’s future direction. Interim Leader Glen Savoie emphasizes the importance of unity and inclusivity within the party, contrasting with Higgs’s more critical stance. Moving forward, the party aims to reconcile past differences, redefine its image, and refocus on its core conservative values.