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Newfoundland and Labrador goes blue

"Governing Newfoundland is a form of licensed insanity," CBC's Rex Murphy once said. Premiers don't really govern, "they measure their stamina against the intractabilities of history, geography and the unemployment stats." Canada's newest province has only had a handful of leaders since joining Confederation in 1949. From firebrands like Joey Smallwood to measured – some say dull – diplomats like Roger Grimes, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have chosen their premiers not by party but by personality and promises.

On Oct. 21, 2003, Newfoundland and Labrador's Progressive Conservatives sail into power with millionaire Danny Williams at the helm. The majority win spells the end for Liberal Premier Roger Grimes and his increasingly unpopular leadership. It's a disappointing finish for the Liberals, who are left with just 12 of the province's 48 seats. As we see in this clip, the sliding Liberals were no match for the popular Williams and his promise of change. 
• Before entering politics, Danny Williams made his millions by building up communications company Cable Atlantic, then selling it to Rogers for an estimated $282 million. The sale earned him the nickname "Danny Millions."
• In March 2005, Williams's 86 per cent approval rating was one of the highest of any Canadian politician.
• The Tory victory marked the third change of government since the province joined Canada in 1949.
Medium: Television
Program: The National
Broadcast Date: Oct. 21, 2003
Guest(s): Roger Grimes, Danny Williams
Host: Peter Mansbridge
Reporter: Lynda Calvert
Duration: 2:38

Last updated: January 23, 2012

Page consulted on March 12, 2013

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