Arlene Dunn, a prominent minister in Premier Blaine Higgs's government, has announced her immediate resignation from the cabinet and her intention to step down from the legislature in the near future. While no specific reasons were provided for her decision, Dunn stated that it was made after careful consideration and discussions with her family.
Dunn's departure from the political arena is met with mixed emotions. In her statement, she expressed her gratitude for the privilege and honor of serving the people of New Brunswick, particularly those in her riding of Saint John Harbour. However, she declined to give interviews regarding her resignation, leaving many to wonder about the factors behind her decision.
Premier Higgs acknowledged Dunn's exit, explaining that political life is not suited for everyone. He also mentioned that there is no obligation to call a by-election to fill her vacant seat within the next 12 months, as a general election is already scheduled for this fall. Nevertheless, the departure of a significant figure like Dunn in a key battleground riding raises questions about the future of the Progressive Conservative Party.
The political landscape in Saint John Harbour is bound to undergo changes as the Liberals and Greens react to Dunn's resignation. Saint John city councillor David Hickey has been nominated by the Liberals, while Mariah Darling, an activist and education coordinator, will represent the Greens in the upcoming election. Both candidates interpreted Dunn's departure as a sign of the Progressive Conservative Party shifting further towards the right.
Hickey noted that more progressive members, be it within the cabinet or the party, appear to be losing influence and dissatisfied with the current direction. Darling viewed Dunn's resignation as an indication that the people of Saint John Harbour are in need of new leadership and cannot rely on a party struggling to maintain unity among its members.
Dunn's entry into politics was met with high expectations, and she served in various cabinet roles, including economic development, immigration, and Indigenous affairs. In 2023, she took on post-secondary education, training, and labor after a cabinet reshuffle prompted by public outcry over changes to the education department's Policy 713 on sexual orientation and gender identity.
While Dunn expressed disagreement with the changes, she expressed confidence in Premier Higgs's leadership. Her absence during the decisive vote was the reason Higgs retained her as a minister, despite removing two other MLAs who defied the government's stance. However, Dunn's departure may provide an opportunity for other individuals to enter the political arena and contribute.
This announcement coincided with the decision of Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland to retire from politics when the provincial election is called this year. Some members of the Progressive Conservative Party voiced concerns about poor management and leadership, suggesting that these departures reflect deeper issues within the party.
On the other hand, Holland cited personal reasons and a sense of accomplishment as motivations for leaving. He stated that he had achieved his goals since assuming the ministerial post in 2018 and believed it was time to pass the baton. Holland emphasized that the party's divisions over Policy 713 did not influence his decision, and he expressed gratitude for Premier Higgs's support in realizing several initiatives.
As Premier Higgs prepares to call the election, more resignations may be in store. Environment Minister Gary Crossman has already announced his retirement plans, and Health Minister Bruce Fitch hinted at a similar decision. The departure of key ministers raises questions about the party's stability and the leadership of Premier Higgs, prompting calls for change within the party.
While the political landscape transforms in New Brunswick, the ultimate impact of these departures on the election remains uncertain. As candidates and parties gear up for the fall election, the electorate in Saint John Harbour and beyond will be closely watching to see how this shifting political landscape unfolds.
Image: Arlene Dunn arriving at government house for a cabinet shuffle where she took on the post-secondary education, training, and labor portfolio. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Image: Liberal candidate and Saint John city councillor David Hickey views the recent announcements as evidence of progressive elements eroding and changing within the Progressive Conservative Party. (Submitted by David Hickey)
Image: Green candidate and education coordinator Mariah Darling suggests that Dunn's resignation exposes cracks in the Conservative party. (Graham Thompson/CBC News)
Image: Energy Minister Mike Holland plans to leave politics in the upcoming election but will temporarily absorb Dunn's Indigenous Affairs portfolio. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Image: John Williston, a regional vice-president of the PC party, believes that the departures of Dunn and Holland indicate poor management and leadership within the Progressive Conservative Party. (Submitted by John Williston)
Image: Economic Development Minister Greg Turner will assume Dunn's responsibilities for post-secondary education, labor, training, and immigration. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
