Williams Wins Big in Newfoundland

Premier Danny Williams led the Progressive Conservatives to a landslide victory in the Newfoundland provincial election. The Progressive Conservatives brought in 70 percent of the popular vote, something that hasn't been seen since the days of Joey Smallwood. The Liberals were left with just three seats and the NDP with one. Liberal leader Gerry Reid lost his own seat by seven votes, which will mean an automatic recount.

Part of Williams' popularity has been due to his willingness to take on prime ministers of any stripe and what he calls "big oil." In his victory speech, Williams made it clear that he will continue to defend Newfoundland and turn it into a "have" province in the next two years. "We're going to be masters of our destiny, we're going to be self-reliant," he told cheering supporters. Williams is still furious about what he sees as Prime Minister Stephen Harper reneging on promises to exclude oil revenues from the equalization formula, and he vowed to help defeat the federal Conservatives in the next federal election.

More About Newfoundland
Newfoundland Election Results 2007
Newfoundland and Labrador Elections
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Facts