2006 Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia leadership election

The Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia leadership election of 2006 was held on February 11, 2006 to select a replacement for John Hamm, as Premier of Nova Scotia and leader of the Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia.

Timeline

 * September 29, 2005 - Hamm announces his retirement, effective upon the election of a new leader.
 * October 15, 2005 - The PC Party announces that the leadership vote will be held on February 11, 2006 with a delegated convention as opposed to the one member one vote system used in the previous race.
 * October 26, 2005 - Bill Black becomes the first candidate to officially enter the race.
 * October 28, 2005 - Neil LeBlanc becomes the second candidate to officially enter the race.
 * November 4, 2005 - Rodney MacDonald becomes the third candidate to officially enter the race.
 * December 27, 2005 - Membership cutoff date.
 * January 7, 2006 - Delegate selection period begins.
 * February 11, 2006 - Leadership convention held in Halifax. Rodney MacDonald wins on 2nd ballot with support from Neil LeBlanc.
 * February 24, 2006 - MacDonald sworn in as 32nd Premier of Nova Scotia.

Candidates

 * Bill Black, former CEO of Maritime Life and candidate for the Halifax Citadel by-election
 * Neil LeBlanc, former minister of Finance
 * Rodney MacDonald, minister of Tourism, Culture & Heritage and MLA for Inverness

Non-candidates
The following individuals were the subject of media speculation about running or themselves indicated they were considering a run but eventually opted against.


 * Michael Baker, minister of Justice and MLA for Lunenburg
 * Jamie Baillie, former Chief of Staff to Premier Hamm.
 * Cecil Clarke, minister of Energy and MLA for Cape Breton North
 * Ernie Fage, minister of Economic Development and MLA for Cumberland North
 * Richard Hurlburt, minister of Natural Resources and MLA for Yarmouth
 * Peter Kelly, mayor of Halifax
 * Peter MacKay, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and MP for Central Nova
 * Kerry Morash, minister of Environment and Labour and MLA for Queens
 * Jane Purves, former minister of Education, Chief of Staff to Premier Hamm
 * Judy Streatch, MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's

First Ballot
The first ballot was close, with just 59 votes separating the first and last place candidates.

LeBlanc eliminated, supports MacDonald.