The Nova Scotia Provincial Election of 2009

Abstract

With over 45% of the popular vote in the provincial election of 2009, the New Democratic Party elected members in 31 of Nova Scotia’s 52 constituencies – enough to form a majority government in the House of Assembly. For the first time in Nova Scotia’s history, neither the Liberals nor the Progressive Conservatives hold power. Given the growing convergence among the parties’ policy platforms, the change in government does not indicate an ideological shift in the province. Instead, it is a signal of general frustration with the two traditional governing parties and a consequent willingness to try something new.