By Andrew Macdonald
Following the worst election defeat in its two century history, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party has set 2026 for a leadership contest.
The recent November election was a Liberal disaster, with only two MLAs elected, and party leader Zach Churchill lost his own seat in Yarmouth. Being an MLA since age 26, the only adult career for Churchill has been being a politician.
The last time the Nova Scotia Liberals lost so badly was in 1984 when the ultra popular Premier John Buchanan won a third term majority government.
The 1984 election saw then Liberal leader Sandy Cameron lose his Guysborough seat, and only six Liberals won seats. Liberals then set a leadership contest for February 1986, won by Vince MacLean.
I voted that year for Jim Cowan, and I took many Young Liberals to Cowan’s team. Imagine my delight when I was asked as a grade 12 student to sit in Cowan’s Metro Centre leadership box. I took a seat next to Halifax’s then great mayor Ron Wallace.
Taking a page out of the 1984-86 leadership contest, the current two MLA Liberal party has set November 2026 as its leadership convention.
“After careful consideration and conversations with many of you, our board met…and officially set the timeline for our next leadership race, which will take place on Nov. 21, 2026,” says Liberal president Margaret Miller.
“The 23-month timeline gives us the chance to rebuild, re-energize, and ensure potential leadership candidates have the time and support needed to connect with Nova Scotians.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve looked closely at what has worked in other provinces, like New Brunswick. Their recent leadership race, with a longer timeline, gave their party the chance to grow stronger, reconnect with members, and ultimately win a strong majority government. We believe this approach will help us do the same here in Nova Scotia,” added Miller.
“Over the coming months, Liberal interim leader Derek Mombourquette and MLA Iain Rankin will be hitting the road to meet with Nova Scotians, hear their ideas, and strengthen our local electoral district associations. I look forward to working alongside them to shape the future of our party,” notes Miller.
“More details about the leadership race will be determined at a future board meeting and communicated with membership,” adds Miller.
