Shawn Graham cruised to the top job in New Brunswick's Liberal party during a convention Saturday.
Graham, one of only seven Liberals in the provincial legislature, received 1,349 votes, roughly three times more than the only other candidate, Jack MacDougall.
In his victory speech, Graham talked about the importance of education and health care to the province.
He pledged to defeat Conservative Premier Bernard Lord in the next election, which some people think may be called as early as this fall.
The Liberals have been without a permanent leader since Camille Theriault, a former premier, quit last year.
Graham, 34, pointed out that the last four premiers elected in New Brunswick have been in their thirties.
"It speaks well of the population of our province to allow young people to bring forward ideas and make the province move ahead," he said.
But Lord, 36, said he's confident he will be able to defeat Graham. The premier appears to have at least one number on his side, according to political historians, and it has nothing to do with age. No party in New Brunswick has ever been knocked out of power after only one term. Graham, however, said he intends to change that.
Share Tools
Latest New Brunswick News Headlines
- Liberals grill PCs after Horizon Health's donation
- The Liberals are questioning how the Progressive Conservatives accepted a $3,870 political donation from the province's largest health authority. more »
- Fredericton's York House eyed by developers
- Two developers are expressing interest in taking over Fredericton's historic York House. more »
- Saint John seeks report on 'worst-case scenario'
- Saint John councillors are asking to be updated on the worst-case financial scenario for the city if the legislative assembly refuses to approve pension changes. more »
- Father, son recall close call on ice road
- The unsanctioned ice route between Saint John and the Kingston Peninsula is closed after two vehicles ran into problems over the weekend and its future is now uncertain. more »
Top News Headlines
- Online surveillance critics accused of supporting child porn
- A bill giving law enforcement new powers to access Canadians' electronic communications is expected to be introduced today, and Canada's public safety minister says the bill's critics are aligning themselves with child pornographers. more »
- Raitt offers new mediator in Air Canada dispute
- Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt is again intervening in a labour dispute at Air Canada, initiating a six-month mediation process after telling pilots and the company that any work stoppage would be contrary to the interests of Canadians. more »
- What to get your special someone on Valentine's Day
- For those looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift, here are some ideas — from the traditional to the outlandish. more »
- Whitney Houston estate value set to soar
- Within hours of her untimely death, Whitney Houston was fast on her way to becoming a hot commodity, joining the ranks of other famous artists who have achieved the dubious distinction of great commercial success beyond the grave. more »
- RCMP discover body on Kingston Peninsula
- Father, son recall close call on ice road
- Saint John seeks report on 'worst-case scenario'
- Fredericton's York House eyed by developers
- Liberals grill PCs after Horizon Health's donation
- Meth, cash seized in Bouctouche
- Wetlands announcement disappointing, say environmentalists
- 3 killed in 2 N.B. car crashes
- Moncton seniors protest no-pet policy

