Experience counts, says Liberal leadership hopeful John Abbott

By Mark Squibb

St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi MHA John Abbott says his four years experience in the House of Assembly, during which time he served as Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health, have helped prepare him, amongst other things, for the premier’s seat.
“I felt that based on my experience to date, my skill set, and certainly my commitment to the province, that it was time for me again to step up, seek the leadership, and bring strong, experienced leadership to the role of leader,” said Abbott.
Abbott previously ran for the leadership in 2020 following the resignation of then premier Dwight Ball, but lost to Andrew Furey. Abbott entered the contest after decades working behind the scenes as a senior civil servant.
“I was a political novice in that leadership race,” admitted Abbott. “It was my entry into politics. But I’ve learned a lot, I’ve enjoyed the experience, and I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned during that time and put it into this particular campaign.”
Following that leadership race, Abbott followed through on his commitment to run in the following 2021 provincial election. He bested NDP Leader Allison Coffin by 53 votes to become the first Liberal member in the district’s history.
Abbott said when he ran in 2020, the province was still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, five years later, the province is facing a threat no one could have predicted two months ago —a potential trade war with the United States.
“Up until the Donald Trump tariff war, the provincial economy has done — and is doing — well,” said Abbott. “All that we produce — minerals, fish, hydro, offshore oil — everything is being sold at international prices, and we’re doing well. Our unemployment numbers have come down. Our financial situation is pretty good. And of course, we have the deal between Quebec Hydro and Newfoundland Hydro. But with this threat, our whole economy is going to be challenged.”
To that end, Abbott said in certain areas he would “absolutely” continue where Furey left off.
“We’ve got to work very hard as a province to protect our industries,” said Abbott, who added he would build on the foundation laid by Premier Andrew Furey and the buy local campaign.
In other areas, he said, he would take a different tactic than the former Liberal leader.
“There are some issues we need to tackle in a more aggressive way, such as housing for seniors and affordable housing for low income families,” said Abbott, who has committed to building 10,000 units over the next five years should he be elected. Abbott has also committed to expanding access to mental health and addiction services.
Regarding the MOU between the province and Hydro Quebec regarding Churchill Falls — which was the top story before Trump’s tariff threats began dominating the news cycle — Abbott said he has committed to addressing concerns should they arise.
“If there are any issues or red flags that should come up, we’ll obviously have to address those through the negotiations that take place between now and the spring with Quebec Hydro,” said Abbott. “I have real faith in the negotiation team that Premier Furey has assembled.”
Windsor Lake MHA John Hogan has also tossed his hat in the ring for the leadership, but Abbott said that regardless of who wins the leadership race, the Liberal Party is the party the province needs at the moment, citing energy rates mitigation, the implementation of the Health Accord, and the Liberal government’s handling of the previous government’s Muskrat Falls boondoggle as proof of the party’s strong track record.
Abbott said the Progressive Conservatives have taken a page from federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s playbook and focused on smearing their opponents rather than proffering solutions.
Meanwhile, Abbott is hopeful the high public opinion of Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney will rub off on the provincial Liberal party.
Abbott said he wants to open the doors for more immigrants in years to come and has called on Memorial University to bring the Ode to Newfoundland back to its convocation ceremonies.
Abbott was born and raised in St. John’s and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and Economics) at Memorial and a Master of Arts (Public Administration) at Carleton University. An avid hiker, he lives in Witless Bay with his wife of over 40 years Colleen Hanrahan.
Party members will select a new leader in May.