The race to lead New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative Party has become increasingly contentious, exposing long-standing internal divisions that could complicate the party’s efforts to unite before the next provincial election.
The leadership contest features former cabinet minister Daniel Allain and first-term MLA Don Monahan. While both candidates have traded criticism during campaign debates, much of the conflict has unfolded on social media, where supporters have revived disagreements stemming from the party’s 2023 internal split over Policy 713, the province’s gender identity policy in schools.
Allain has condemned what he describes as personal attacks from some party members, saying politics should focus on ideas rather than insults. He has also continued to criticize Monahan over a campaign promotion that offered campers at Monahan’s Sussex campground $50 in campground tokens and a drive-in theatre pass if they registered to vote in the leadership race.
Although Elections New Brunswick and the Progressive Conservative Party determined the promotion did not violate election or party rules, Allain has labelled the practice unacceptable, arguing he would “never buy someone’s vote.”
Monahan has defended the promotion, stating the incentives were funded by his campaign rather than his business, and said he does not control the actions of supporters posting criticism online. He added that he has asked at least one supporter to stop making personal attacks but was unsuccessful.
The dispute has also revived debate over the 2023 caucus revolt against former premier Blaine Higgs. Some party members continue to criticize Allain for supporting a Liberal motion calling for further consultation on Policy 713, a move many conservatives viewed as undermining Higgs’ leadership.
Political observers say the contest reflects broader ideological tensions seen in conservative parties across Canada, with moderates and populist conservatives competing for influence. Analysts warn the next leader will need to bridge those divisions if the party hopes to mount a united challenge against Premier Susan Holt’s Liberals.
Allain has centred his campaign on rebuilding Progressive Conservative support in francophone regions, arguing the party cannot afford to concede those ridings. Monahan, meanwhile, has emphasized that once the leadership race concludes, the party must come together as a single united team.
Despite those calls for unity, some members have indicated they may not support the party if their preferred candidate loses, highlighting the challenges awaiting the eventual leader when party members vote later this year.
