N.B. election: PCs look to the future [Video]

In the final analysis, every election is a referendum on change. The simple, if sometimes unspoken, ballot question is, “Are you happy with the government?” Those who are satisfied vote to keep the party in power; those who are not opt for an alternative.

New Brunswickers voted for a 180-degree change in direction from the fiscally and socially conservative policies of Blaine Higgs to the fiscally and socially progressive promises of Susan Holt.

The result also serves as a blunt rebuke of Mr. Higgs’ style of leadership. His supporters see it as single-minded and confident; his opponents call it pig-headed and arrogant.

When Mr. Higgs lost the support of several of his veteran MLAs and ministers, it was largely because of style and attitude. Those who did not share his vision of a more conservative government were invited to “take it or leave it.” They left.

They were mainly old-school …