‘Inspiring a New Generation: First Female Premier in Canadian Province Finally Takes Office

A significant milestone has been reached for women in leadership: by 2024, all Canadian provinces and territories have enjoyed the governance of a female premier, with the exception of Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. New Brunswick made history on October 21, 2024, with the election of its first female premier, Susan Holt, the leader of the Liberal Party.

Susan Holt, who has been leading the Opposition since 2023 and the New Brunswick Liberal Party since 2022, is poised to assume the role of Premier of New Brunswick, representing a Liberal majority government.

For the past six years, New Brunswick has been under the rule of a Progressive Conservative government led by Premier Blaine Higgs. However, as of October 21, he has been succeeded by Liberal candidate Aaron Kennedy, losing both his leadership position and his constituency seat.

This new majority government signals a transformative era for New Brunswick, ushering in not only its first female premier but also promising changes in social programs, health care, and LGBTQ2S+ rights. Previously, Premier Higgs had been known for his staunch opposition to safe injection sites and had criticized the use of non-binary pronouns while advocating for substantial cuts to social services.

Despite being a modest province, the election of a female premier in New Brunswick reflects a remarkable evolution in the political landscape. Women have increasingly taken up significant political roles across North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere, notably in Australia and New Zealand. The hope is that they will fulfill their commitments and pave the way for others to ascend in their careers.

During her victory celebration, Susan Holt remarked, “This is something that I have wished for others for a long time. I’ve been eager to witness this achievement in New Brunswick. I experienced a sense of envy each time another province marked this milestone, and it astonishes me that it’s now me, the first woman.”

She further expressed, “It’s truly amazing to see the joy on my children’s faces and their friends’. The little girls who have participated in this campaign and approached me with aspirations of wanting to be Prime Minister mean so much.”

Jon Holt, her husband, shared, “We have three daughters, and they, along with their friends, have witnessed Susan’s journey. They’ve seen her dedication and strength; they’ve viewed her as a leader. This will inspire an entire generation of young women and girls in New Brunswick to pursue their dreams relentlessly.”

Premier Susan Holt was celebrated alongside her three daughters and the former leader of the New Brunswick NDP, Elizabeth Weir, who has been a trailblazer for women in politics. Weir held the only NDP seat in the province from 1991 to 2005, and together with Holt, they will be recognized for their contributions towards achieving gender equality in New Brunswick for many years to come.

In a recent interview with CBC, Premier Susan Holt outlined her plans to enhance funding for education and health care while ensuring fiscal balance in New Brunswick. She aims to prioritize community-centered approaches and legislative initiatives. With experience in technology and a past as a rugby player under the New Brunswick banner, she stands as a remarkable role model in STEM—something to celebrate!

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