1969 Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership election

Canadian provincial leadership election June 2024 June 2024 Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick NB PC 1969 Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick Logo.svg June 14, 1969 Saint John, New Brunswick Richard Hatfield 1 Charles Van Horne 5 (including two withdrawers) The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick held a leadership election on June 14, 1969, in Saint John, New Brunswick, to elect a new leader for the party. The position had been vacant since former leader Charles Van Horne's resignation in early 1968; Van Horne previously vowed to do so in the likelihood of his defeat in the 1967 provincial election, which he lost to the Liberal Party led by Louis Robichaud. The front-running candidates for the leadership election were Richard Hatfield, a legislative member for Carleton who had been serving as house leader ever since Van Horne's resignation, as well as Van Horne himself, who decided to run for leadership again. Of three other candidates, only Mathilda Blanchard opted not to withdraw. Hatfield won the leadership election with 799 votes, or 58.5 percent of the votes cast. After securing leadership for the party, Hatfield went on to defeat Robichaud in the 1970 provincial election and further led the party through three re-elections, becoming the longest-served premier in the province. His leadership collapsed after a string of controversies led to his party losing every seat in his 1987 provincial re-election, leading to his immediate resignation. The next leadership election was not held until 1989, two decades after this one. Background On February 8, 1968, then-Progressive Conservative leader Charles Van Horne announced his resignation through a letter sent to president George E. McInerney.PD leader Van Horne resigns post in N.B. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leader-post/149457982/ June 16, 2024 The Leader-Post The Canadian Press February 8, 1968 1 Having been confident that he would win the 1967 provincial election, Van Horne had previously vowed to resign his leadership in the likelihood of his defeat;Expect 1967 elections in five Canadian provinces https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-bay-nugget/149471858/ June 16, 2024 North Bay Nugget The Canadian Press January 24, 1967 16Expect N.B. Record for Byelection https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record/149471794/ June 16, 2024 Waterloo Region Record The Canadian Press February 6, 1967 12 he was not only defeated in the election by Liberal leader Louis Robichaud but also in his home electoral district of Restigouche.Farquharson Duart Liberals keep N.B. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/149472408/ June 16, 2024 The Ottawa Citizen Southam News Service October 24, 1967 1 Up until his resignation, it had been previously decided on November 9, 1967, that he would remain as leader,Van Horne faces N.B. caucus https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leader-post/149472679/ June 16, 2024 The Leader-Post The Canadian Press November 10, 1967 4PCs to retain J. C. Van Horne https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-times/149472530/ June 16, 2024 The Sun Times The Canadian Press November 11, 1967 12 even though he would not have a seat in the legislature — rumors hinting towards the potential resignation of Lewis C. Ayles of Campbellton to allow for Van Horne to have a seat were shut down.Missing since defeat at polls: Van Horne was in Montreal https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149473153/ June 16, 2024 Toronto Star The Canadian Press October 25, 1967 2 Through his resignation letter, Van Horne reiterated his intentions to resign upon the party's defeat.Van Horne gives up leadership https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province/149473380/ June 16, 2024 The Province The Canadian Press February 9, 1968 16 On the same day as Van Horne's resignation, five ballots were cast among the caucus to elect one of their own as a house leader. Richard Hatfield, a 37-year-old Carleton legislative member who had been defeated by Van Horne during the previous leadership convention, was elected. According to a Financial Post report from later that month, it had been under the impression that a leadership convention would be called that spring.Accent is bilingual in N.B. legislature https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/149458411/ June 16, 2024 National Post February 24, 1968 12 Van Horne's return to politics On September 9, 1968, a seat was made vacant in Van Horne's home riding of Restigouche following the death of then-Youth Minister Joffre Daigle;Obituaries - Joffre Daigle https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/59950903/ June 16, 2024 The Gazette The Canadian Press September 10, 1968 27 nine days later, Robichaud announced a by-election for November 4 to fill the vacancy.New Brunswick Byelection Set https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/149476363/ June 17, 2024 Calgary Herald The Canadian Press September 19, 1968 16 The following month, Van Horne returned to the province and announced his candidacy on October 17.Van Horne makes bid to re-enter politics https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-phoenix/149476635/ June 16, 2024 Star-Phoenix The Canadian Press October 18, 1968 32 As speculation was being made earlier that month on the likelihood of Van Horne making a political return, Hatfield opposed the idea of Van Horne joining the by-election, viewing it as being "a distraction" to party progress. On the other hand, Tory president McInerney supported it; he expressed having "the greatest respect for Mr. Van Horne".Van Horne Seen As 'Distraction' https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/149459044/ June 16, 2024 Calgary Herald The Canadian Press October 8, 1968 45 Van Horne ultimately won the by-election on November 4, defeating single opponent and Liberal candidate O. R. M. Brimsacle by 186 votes.MacDonald Angus Van Horne's by-election comeback electrifies New Brunswick political scene https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149459802/ June 16, 2024 Montreal Star November 5, 1968 27New Brunswick PCs face a leadership crisis https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/149460167/ June 16, 2024 The Gazette November 7, 1968 8Urquhart Sheila Leadership Issue Divides NB Tories https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-journal/149460140/ June 16, 2024 The Ottawa Journal November 12, 1968 7 An editorial published by The Gazette on November 6 stated that Van Horne's victory "might do more to aid the Liberal Government there, than if the Liberal candidate had won".Comment: Van Horne's Victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/149459898/ June 16, 2024 The Gazette November 6, 1968 6 A scheduled party meeting in Fredericton for November 23 emerged along with the topic of a new potential leadership election. Van Horne was also speculated to be a candidate for it,Tories feel Van Horne may seek to lead N.B. party a second time https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149460376/ June 16, 2024 Toronto Star November 22, 1968 24 though the meeting concluded with no definite plan to call for a leadership convention yet.N.B. Tories remain leaderless for now https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149460611/ June 17, 2024 Toronto Star November 25, 1968 14 It was highlighted that Hatfield and Van Horne were both fighting for leadership around this time;Urquhart Sheila Atlantic Report: NB Eyes Sales Tax To Finance Medicare https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-journal/149460849/ June 17, 2024 The Ottawa Journal November 29, 1968 7 Van Horne was reportedly showing interest in being leader again, though many Conservatives also showed disinterest towards the idea.Warrington Dal The troublesome Tory, Charlie, is back https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star/149461324/ June 17, 2024 The Windsor Star The Canadian Press January 10, 1969 11 Leadership convention thumb|Saint John, the location in which the convention was held, pictured in 2006 In early April 1969, the Progressive Conservative party called for a leadership convention to be held at Saint John on June 14. Although his candidacy was not specifically announced, Hatfield made it clear that he would seek candidacy.Surette Ralph Robichaud's troubles boost Van Horne's hopes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149461606/ June 16, 2024 Montreal Star April 5, 1969 4 It was also expected that Van Horne would emerge as a contender. Another speculated candidate at the time was also Paul Creaghan, a lawyer from Moncton. Although it had already been well-established that caucus members preferred Hatfield, it was also clear that this did not indicate his victory, given that this also happened during the last leadership election which Van Horne carried by a three-to-one margin.Smith Robert Atlantic Report: NB Tories Set the Date https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-journal/149462196/ June 16, 2024 The Ottawa Journal April 10, 1969 7 Ian R. Ferguson, a 21-year-old University of New Brunswick (UNB) student from Grand Falls who served as the editor-in-chief of UNB's student newspaper The Brunswickan, was the first to declare candidacy for the leadership election on April 15; the reasons he gave for running were because of the "lack in representation of [his] age group in provincial affairs, the lack of government communication with the people of New Brunswick, and specifically because of the sad state of higher education in the province in general".Student tries for PC post https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star/149462092/ June 16, 2024 The Windsor Star The Canadian Press April 16, 1969 24 Ferguson, however, never ultimately ended up becoming a candidate at the convention, as evidenced by his name having not appeared in the election results.Ferrabee James Van Horne denied N.B. Tory helm https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal/149468012/ June 16, 2024 Edmonton Journal Southam News Service June 16, 1969 21 It was also reported at this point that Van Horne was considering seeking candidacy. Hatfield officially declared his candidacy for leadership on April 24. Van Horne—who was in Phoenix, Arizona, at the time—was still undecided though also gave a "soon" deadline for his decision.Hatfield seeks N.B. leadership https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149463410/ June 17, 2024 Toronto Star The Canadian Press April 25, 1969 15 During a news conference, Hatfield proposed "a new approach to leadership and policies to meet our province's needs".Two seek party leadership https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/149463515/ June 17, 2024 The Gazette April 28, 1969 37 Additionally, J. Roger Pichette, Alfred Landry, Creaghan and William Cockburn were all speculated by the Montreal Star as being "potential candidates",Hatfield in party race https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149463283/ June 17, 2024 Montreal Star April 25, 1969 54 though they ultimately likely decided against running.MacDonald Angus Hatfield front runner in N.B. Tory race https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149464183/ June 17, 2024 Montreal Star May 10, 1969 9 In early May, Van Horne unexpectedly decided against running, adding that "my position regarding the leadership remains unchanged". Up until this point, Van Horne was anticipated as the primary contender against Hatfield.Van Horne rules out leadership try https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/149463935/ June 17, 2024 The Gazette The Canadian Press May 5, 1969 5 As early as almost a week later, however, Van Horne hinted towards changing his mind.People: J. C. Van Horne https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149464061/ June 17, 2024 Toronto Star May 9, 1969 59 On May 16, Van Horne changed his mind and officially announced his candidacy for leadership, stating that he was urged from all ridings "that [he] should be a candidate for leader".Van Horne Returns https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard/149464333/ June 17, 2024 The Kingston Whig-Standard The Canadian Press May 17, 1969 12 The upcoming convention, which was to have 1,600 Tory delegates in attendance, was described by James Ferrabee of The Gazette as a "re-run of 1966" though now, as described by Ferrabee, with more credibility towards Hatfield. Ferrabee described Hatfield as being "quiet-spoken and low-key" in contrast to the "flamboyant and loud" Van Horne. Ferrabee further wrote that the 1966 delegates had been "persuaded that Van Horne was the only man who could beat Louis Robichaud in an election which they knew then wasn't far off", though Van Horne, on the other hand—being from the northern and majority Francophone part of the province—had the advantage of potentially having the stronger vote from Acadian delegates due to being a much stronger French speaker than the Anglophone-originating Hatfield.Ferrabee James Tory contest is re-run of 1966 but... https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/149464873/ June 17, 2024 The Gazette May 24, 1969 7 Mathilda Blanchard, a labour leader from Caraquet who served as the provincial fish handlers' union president, also announced her candidacy for leadership on May 26, stating that "I think there are so many things unsaid and undone",Fish handler hopes to hook Tory leadership https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator/149464990/ June 17, 2024 The Hamilton Spectator The Canadian Press May 27, 1969 1Blonde unionist enters N.B. politics: The Tories' Waltzing Mathilda https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149465057/ June 17, 2024 Toronto Star May 29, 1969 1 though her candidacy was not generally taken seriously and was considered as being one that "really doesn't count". Other considered candidates at this point included Joseph MacDougall,Smith Robert NB Tory Race Re-run of 1966 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-journal/149465556/ June 17, 2024 The Ottawa Journal June 9, 1969 6 who shortly afterwards lost his bid to retain his position of Mayor of Saint John;Surette Ralph Tory election lacks both spirit, issues https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149466911/ June 17, 2024 Montreal Star June 14, 1969 67 Leonard C. Jones, the Mayor of Moncton; the earlier-considered Creaghan, who reportedly "considered entering the race"; and Jean-Maurice Simard. In the days leading up to the convention, Hatfield was considered as being the victor. Van Horne stated that the Liberal victory in 1967 was "by the skin of their teeth", adding that "he has the best chance to lead the party to victory in the next provincial election".Hatfield favored as PC leader https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/149465122/ June 17, 2024 National Post May 31, 1969 3 On June 10, a legal petition for bankruptcy was filed against Van Horne; it was related to a consent decree from December 1968 in which Van Horne was ordered to pay $17,586. Those who filed the action alleged that Van Horne was bankrupt because he had not paid the debt, despite a writ being issued to do so on December 20, 1968. No assets in his name which could've been used to seize and satisfy the debt were able to be found by the sheriff of Restigouche County, who returned the writ marked "nulla bona".Van Horne facing bankruptcy action https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149465780/ June 17, 2024 Montreal Star The Canadian Press June 10, 1969 6 Van Horne was described as being a free spender who substantially indebted the party during his 1967 provincial campaign;2 men's bankrolls are issues in N.B. Tory race https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149466607/ June 17, 2024 Toronto Star June 13, 1969 17 the upcoming convention was blacklisted by the American Federation of Musicians from allowing for work to be serviced by its members, as the party hadn't paid a $12,500 bill signed by Van Horne for Don Messer and His Islanders to perform at the time.Everett Jon 'Words Without Music' https://www.newspapers.com/article/saint-john-times-globe/157172834/ October 15, 2024 The Evening Times-Globe June 16, 1969 Saint John, New Brunswick 7 Hatfield was also described by opponents, per The Toronto Star, as a "wealthy businessman" who "can't speak for the majority of New Brunswick's people". Van Horne would additionally attack Hatfield, labelling him as a "mama's boy".Colourful N.B. Tory leader was convicted of bribery https://www.proquest.com/docview/387247850 June 16, 2024 The Globe and Mail The Canadian Press September 2, 2003 R7 387247850 en Hatfield and Van Horne filed for nomination on June 11, 1969.Saint John Has 5 Men For PC Role https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star/149466704/ June 17, 2024 The Sault Star The Canadian Press June 13, 1969 9 That same day, William T. Walker, who had just lost his over decade-long mayoral position in Fredericton earlier that week, declared that he was "definitely in the running", adding that he had "a good chance" of winning in the first ballot. Jones, who had been earlier considered as being a candidate, announced having "very serious consideration" for a candidacy run based on "personal matters",PC race in N.B. picks up speed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149466277/ June 17, 2024 Montreal Star The Canadian Press June 12, 1969 71 though he later chose not to run.Van Horne rides again: Five Tories seek leadership in NB https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star/149466807/ June 17, 2024 Montreal Star The Canadian Press June 13, 1969 21 The next day, Blanchard, Walker, and MacDougall filed for nomination in the final hour before the deadline. Election results The leadership election for the party took place on June 14, 1969. It was held in Saint John for 1,600 Tory delegates to vote between Hatfield or Van Horne, both considered front-runners, or Blanchard.PCs Pick Leader In New Brunswick https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star/149467108/ June 16, 2024 The Sault Star The Canadian Press June 14, 1969 11Leadership battle gets hotter https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-calgary-albertan/149467193/ June 16, 2024 The Calgary Albertan The Canadian Press June 14, 1969 3 Robert Stanfield, then-leader of the national Progressive Conservative party, served as the convention's keynote speaker.New Brunswick Tories elect a leader today https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149467011/ June 16, 2024 Toronto Star The Canadian Press June 14, 1969 38 The day prior, Van Horne attacked Hatfield for "lacking frankness and guts" while also saying that "people resent leadership that is devious and uncourageous". Hatfield's response made no mention of Van Horne, saying that he was "running for the party, not against anyone".Blaikie Dave N.B. Conservatives Pick Leader Today https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record/149467365/ June 16, 2024 Waterloo Region Record The Canadian Press June 14, 1969 10 The result of the election was publicized on June 16; Hatfield secured an overall majority during the first ballot with 799 votes, or 58.5 percent of the vote, to Van Horne's 554 votes, which amounted to 40.5 percent of the votes cast. Blanchard, the only other candidate, received 13 votes, or about one percent of the votes cast. Walker and McDougall, the two other registered candidates, each withdrew after offering a speech before the casting of votes.Blaikie Dave Hatfield Gains PC Post Lost to Van Horne in '66 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star/149467814/ June 16, 2024 The Sault Star The Canadian Press June 16, 1969 2 + 1969 PCNB leadership resultCandidateVotes% Richard Hatfield 799 58.5% Charles Van Horne 554 40.5% Mathilda Blanchard 13 1% Total votes 1,366 100% Aftermath Hatfield, as the newly elected party leader, went on to defeat Robichaud in the 1970 provincial election.Stanley Della M.M. Richard Bennett Hatfield https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/richard-bennett-hatfield The Canadian Encyclopedia June 17, 2024 February 18, 2008 That same year, he appointed Van Horne as the Minister of Tourism following pressure accumulated as a result of Van Horne's popularity. Hatfield continued to lead the Progressive Conservatives through three victorious re-elections, ultimately having the longest term served by a premier in the province. His 17-year leadership started going downhill when, on September 25, 1984, he was found in possession of marijuana during a security check that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted before a flight from Fredericton to Moncton during a royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II.The premier of New Brunswick, Richard Hatfield, was charged... https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/10/26/The-premier-of-New-Brunswick-Richard-Hatfield-was-charged/5967467611200/ June 17, 2024 United Press International October 26, 1984 enMartin Douglas New Brunswick Premier is Under Fire Again https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/08/world/new-brunswick-premier-is-under-fire-again.html June 17, 2024 The New York Times February 8, 1985 This incident and the ensuing scandals led to a number of other Tories turning against him,Poitras Jacques Jacques Poitras Guns, revenge and floor-crossing. How a political masterstroke paved the way for the Hatfield dynasty https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bob-mccready-richard-hatfield-1978-election-house-speaker-1.4735195 CBC News June 17, 2024 July 6, 2018 with the party going on to lose all 58 legislative seats in his 1987 provincial re-election to the Frank McKenna–led Liberal Party.N.B. Tories pick first woman PC leader https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal/145083622/ June 17, 2024 Edmonton Journal November 5, 1989 Hatfield and his party's defeat marked one of the worst in Canadian history;Morries Chris Tough time to be a Tory, says New Brunswick leader https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-tough-time-to-be-a-to/145084105/ June 17, 2024 The Ottawa Citizen The Canadian Press August 25, 1990 the only other time a majority-led party lost all of its seats in Canada was in Prince Edward Island during its 1935 election.Hopper Tristin Jim Prentice's Tories are not the only big losers: Five of the worst electoral defeats in Canadian history https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/tristin-hopper-biggest-electoral-defeats-in-canadian-history-765370 June 17, 2024 National Post May 6, 2015 The loss led to Hatfield's immediate resignation.Beatles dissolved partnership in 1970 https://www.newspapers.com/article/niagara-falls-review-beatles-dissolved-p/145084423/ June 17, 2024 Niagara Falls Review The Canadian Press April 9, 2002 The next leadership convention, held in 1989, saw Barbara Baird Filliter emerge as the first woman to become leader of a Conservative party in Canada.N.B. Tories elect lawyer to succeed Hatfield https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-nb-tories-elect-lawye/145089077/ June 17, 2024 The Toronto Star The Canadian Press November 5, 1989 Another leadership convention for a provincial political party would not be held in Saint John for nearly three decades, after which it held the 1998 New Brunswick Liberal Association leadership election.Richardson Don Saint John gets its chance https://www.proquest.com/docview/423039310 June 16, 2024 Telegraph-Journal May 1, 1998 423039310 See also Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership elections References Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership election Category:Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership elections Progressive Conservative Party leadership election Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership election Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership election