The convention will take place on May 2 to 3 at the JAG SoundHouse in St. John’sPublished Apr 30, 2025 • 4 minute readJohn Hogan, left, and John Abbott, right, are the two contenders for the NL Liberal leadership race.On May 3, a new leader for the Liberal Party of NL will be chosen, and the two candidates, John Abbott and John Hogan — two former cabinet ministers who served under the outgoing premier, Andrew Furey — have been locked in since March 24.Both Abbott and Hogan have been hot on the campaign trail, travelling across the island and to Labrador to hear what people want out of a new government and premier.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentWhat has Abbot heard?Abbott, who has visited St. Anthony, the west coast and central, said it’s not only important for someone running to be visible in all communities across the island, but to listen to what’s on individuals’ minds.What he’s heard the most, Abbott said, are concerns about the cost of living — particularly how it affects seniors with low income — as well as the inability to find affordable and accessible housing and the potential impact of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump.Abbott says his priorities going into the campaign align with what he heard. In one sense, he said, it was validating that his priorities lined up, but it shows that people in NL are struggling with the issues he wants to tackle.Article content“More needs to be done. And that’s why I’ve said in that context, then I want to start making sure I can address the immediate needs of seniors, and then how we work and support other families throughout the province.” Provincial Liberal leadership candidate John Abbott. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramWhat has Hogan heard?Hogan has visited places like the Northern Peninsula, central NL, Goose Bay and Labrador West and the Burin Peninsula and said it’s been great going to all parts of the province to talk about the leadership.Hogan has also heard similar concerns about the cost of living and affordability affecting seniors and families. Because of this, he’s pledging that if he’s elected, he’ll reconstruct government departments to ensure ministers are focusing on seniors, families and affordability.Article content“That’s what’s important to people, so that’s what my government will deliver,” said Hogan. Health care has also been a top priority in conversations, he added.Previously, Hogan said his priorities revolved around health care, affordability and cost of living and getting the Churchill Falls MOU over the line, something he said that people have brought up as well during his travels.Shaping where NL goes: HoganFrom what’s heard, Hogan said that people recognize that the province needs to prioritize its spending, which he loops back to the new Churchill Falls deal. The new MOU, he added, is a once in a several generation opportunity, and is NL’s last chance to get “the stretch of river right.” Hogan said we can’t afford a third mistake on this deal, which is why, in addition to the above priorities, he wants to ensure that the deal is delivered to give NL an extra funding of up to $227 million in cash. Article contentGetting the deal across the line is what ensures the province has the funds to deliver the services that “they need and that they want, that they deserve.” Provincial Liberal leadership candidate John Hogan. Keith Gosse/The Telegram Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramShaping where NL goes: AbbottAbbott believes the direction the provincial government needs to go in is in supporting communities across the island in achieving their aspirations, as that’s what he’s heard from community leaders. Sometimes those aspirations are simple, he said, like improving recreation and healthy living infrastructure, but the next town over could be dealing with issues around its sewer lines, which can have an impact on housing projects. There is a full gamut of issues, Abbott added, but the bottom line is people want their government to listen and respond. Article content“That’s one of the things that I will be focused on, how I can support each community in achieving their aspirations, whether it’s a town or municipality,” said Abbott. “Or if it’s an Indigenous group or organization, or if it’s persons with disabilities, and how that community needs to be supported.”Read More Liberal Leadership Race: Hogan wants Newfoundlanders to know he’ll have their back Liberal Leadership Race: Abbott says NL residents will see immediate change if he becomes premier Final pitchThe Liberal leadership race is down to the final strokes, and both candidates are expecting a positive outcome on May 3, but only one will get the title. The pair shared their final plea to anyone who is left undecided.Article contentAbbott said he wants voters to think about the importance of experience when looking at both candidates. He also wants them to look at who would be the best to negotiate with the federal government on issues like tariffs and interprovincial trade barriers.Abbott frames himself as a problem solver with deep knowledge of how government operates.“Bring me your problems, and we will solve them,” said Abbott.Hogan’s message is simple: he wants people to know that he has their backs. He added that he is here for the province and not political purposes.What’s important to the people of NL is important to him, Hogan added, emphasizing that he will always listen to all sides, options before making a decision.“And (that I make) the right decision and the right decision is always going to be what’s best for Newfoundland and Labradorians,” said Hogan.Article content
Which John will win? Liberals will choose Abbott or Hogan as next leader May 3
