| John Abbott | |
| Honorific-Suffix: | MHA |
| Office1: | Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions |
| Term Start1: | July 19, 2024 |
| Predecessor1: | Fred Hutton |
| Term Start2: | June 14, 2023 |
| Term End2: | July 19, 2024 |
| Predecessor2: | Elvis Loveless |
| Successor2: | Fred Hutton |
| Assembly4: | Newfoundland and Labrador House of |
| Constituency Am4: | St. John's East-Quidi Vidi |
| Term Start4: | May 18, 2021 |
| Predecessor4: | Alison Coffin |
| Office3: | Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development |
| Term Start3: | April 8, 2021[1] |
| Term End3: | June 14, 2023 |
| Predecessor3: | Brian Warr |
| Successor3: | Paul Pike |
| Party: | Liberal |
| Residence: | Witless Bay |
| Occupation: | Public servant |
John Abbott is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly in the 2021 provincial election.[2] He defeated the leader of the New Democratic Party, Alison Coffin, to represent the electoral district of St. John's East-Quidi Vidi as a member of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.[3] [4]
In 2020, Abbott ran for leader of the provincial Liberal party losing to frontrunner Andrew Furey.[5]
On April 8, 2021, he was appointed Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development.[6] On May 12, 2021, Supreme Court Justice Donald Burrage rejected Coffin's bid for a recount, arguing that there was not sufficient evidence.[7] Abbott was subsequently sworn in as MHA on May 18, 2021. On June 14, 2023, he was appointed Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.[8]
On July 19, 2024, he was appointed as Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.[9]
Prior to being elected, Abbott served as executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association - NL Chapter.[10] Abbott was also Deputy Minister of Health in the Williams[11] and Ball administrations.[12] [13]
Between 1989 and 1999, Abbott held a number of other senior positions: Assistant Secretary to the Treasury Board, Associate Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services, chairman and CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Deputy Minister of Works, Services and Transportation and Deputy Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs.[14] [15]
| Candidate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Votes | Points | |
| Andrew Furey | 13,645 64.42% | 26,443 66.11% | |
| John Abbott | 7,537 35.58% | 13,557 33.89% | |
| Total | 21,182 | 40,000 | |