2016 Nova Scotia New Democratic Party leadership election

2016 Nova Scotia New Democratic Party leadership election
February 27, 2016
Turnout 2,271 Delegates
 
LZ
DW
Candidate Gary Burrill Lenore Zann Dave Wilson
Riding None Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River Sackville-Cobequid
First ballot 921
40.59% 		705
31.07% 		645
28.34%
Second ballot 1,343
59.19% 		926
40.81% 		Eliminated
Leader before election

Maureen MacDonald (interim)

 Elected Leader

Gary Burrill
2016 New Democratic Party of Nova Scotia leadership election
Date February 27, 2016
Convention Holiday Inn Harbourview, Dartmouth
Resigning leader Darrell Dexter
Won by Gary Burrill
Ballots 2
Candidates 3
Entrance Fee C$15,000
Spending limit C$75,000

The election for the leadership of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party was triggered on November 16, 2013, following Darrell Dexter's resignation after losing the seat he contested in the 2013 election. The party elected Gary Burrill as their new leader on February 27, 2016, following a one-member one-vote election held during a convention at the Holiday Inn Harbourview in Dartmouth.

Timeline

2013

  • October 8 – The 2013 general election is held, reducing the NS NDP to seven seats. Darrell Dexter, the party's leader since 2001, defeated in the seat he contested by 21 votes.
  • November 16 – Darrell Dexter formally submits his resignation to the party's executive at an executive meeting in Halifax.
  • November 23 – Maureen MacDonald, MLA for Halifax Needham and Finance Minister in Dexter's final cabinet, is appointed Interim Leader by the party's Provincial Council.

2015

  • April 11 – Rules for the Leadership Election approved by the party's Provincial Council at its meeting in Hatchet Lake.
  • June 7 – Dave Wilson, MLA for Sackville-Cobequid since 2003 and a former Health Minister, launches his leadership campaign at an event in Lower Sackville.
  • June 11 – Gary Burrill, MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley from 2009 to 2013, launches his leadership campaign at an event in Halifax.
  • June 12 – Lenore Zann, MLA for Truro-Bible Hill since 2009, launches her leadership campaign at an event in Halifax.
  • June 13 – Leadership Election officially begins at the conclusion of the party's AGM in Dartmouth. Three provincial by-elections are also called by Premier Stephen McNeil for July 14 that same day.
  • July 14 – Three provincial by-elections occur, with Dartmouth South NDP Candidate Marian Mancini winning by less than 100 votes.
  • November 28 – First leadership forum is held in Whitney Pier.
  • December 5 – Second leadership forum is held in Bible Hill.

2016

  • February 27 – Leadership convention is held in Dartmouth

Candidates

Gary Burrill

Background

Gary Burrill was MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley (2009–2013)

Date campaign launched: June 11, 2015
Campaign website: garyburrill.ca
Supporters

Dave Wilson

Background

Dave Wilson was MLA for Sackville-Cobequid (2003–2018), Minister of Health (May 2012 – October 2013), Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage (January 2011 – May 2012)

Date campaign launched: June 7, 2015
Campaign website: www.davewilson2016.ca
Supporters

Lenore Zann

Background

Lenore Zann was MLA for Truro-Bible Hill (2009–2021).

Date campaign launched: June 12, 2015
Campaign website: www.lenore4leader.com
Supporters

Results

First ballot

Second ballot