1998 New Brunswick Liberal Association leadership election explained

Party:	New Brunswick Liberal Association
Year:	1998
Date:	May 2, 1998
Location:	Saint John
Winner:	Camille Thériault
Ballots:	1
Replaces:	Frank McKenna
Numcands:	3

The New Brunswick Liberal Association held a leadership election in 1998 to replace former leader and premier Frank McKenna. The elected leader would become Premier of New Brunswick, replacing the interim leader of the Liberals Ray Frenette. Camille Thériault defeated rivals Greg Byrne and Bernard Richard on the first ballot of the convention held in Saint John.

Candidates

• Greg Byrne, MLA since 1995 and minister of state for energy and mines.
• Bernard Richard, MLA since 1991 and minister of education.
• Camille Thériault, MLA since 1987 and minister of economic development and tourism.

Non candidates

The following candidates were rumoured to be considering runs but did not enter the race.^[1]

• Edmond Blanchard, MLA since 1987 and minister of finance.
• Fernand Landry, former chief of staff to Frank McKenna.
• Peter LeBlanc, MLA since 1995 and minister of supply and services.
• Denis Losier, MLA from 1988 to 1994.
• Marcelle Mersereau, MLA since 1991 and minister of human resources development.

Results

1998 Liberal leadership convention results^[2] May 2, 1998
Candidate	Votes	%
Camille Thériault	2,095	55.6
Greg Byrne	1,005	26.6
Bernard Richard	666	17.7

References

1. Don Richardson. "Liberal race too tight for outside candidates," New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, January 31, 1998.
2. [Jacques Poitras]