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Profile on Liberal leader Susan Holt

New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt arrives at the legislature to listen to the government's throne speech, in Fredericton, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (Source: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward) New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt arrives at the legislature to listen to the government's throne speech, in Fredericton, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (Source: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward)
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Susan Holt is the newest leader in the New Brunswick provincial election race, taking over for past Liberal Party leader Kevin Vickers in 2022. Holt is angling to bring the Liberals back to power after the party lost three seats amid the Progressive Conservative’s march to a majority government in 2020.

Holt, who was elected to the legislature in 2023, is joined by 15 Liberal MLAs, which makes the party the second-biggest in the province. Going into the election they trail the PCs by nine seats. The Liberals have so far announced 49 candidates to run in all New Brunswick electoral ridings.

Holt’s background

Holt received degrees in chemistry and economics from Queen’s University. She served as CEO of Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the New Brunswick Business Council and also acted as the chief growth officer for PLATO Testing, a software testing and technology service.

Despite her newness as the leader of the New Brunswick Liberals, Holt has political experience under the Brian Gallant government, serving as the senior economic development advisor.

Holt beat out Robert Gauvin, T.J. Harvey, and Donald Arsenault to win the Liberal leadership in 2022. She was elected to the legislature in 2023, representing the Bathurst East-Nepisiguit-Saint-Isodore riding, although this year she will be seeking victory in the Fredericton South-Silverwood riding.

2024 goals

Holt’s Liberals kicked off their election campaign in early September, promising to focus on primary health care through community care clinics and their recently-announced universal school food program if elected.

“We’re here because New Brunswickers are ready for a change,” said Holt in a news release. “Our province deserves better healthcare, affordable living, and a government that works for everyone. Our team is ready to deliver that change.

“The plan and commitments that we will be sharing during the campaign reflect what we have heard from the people in this province that we all love.”

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.

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