View source for Shawn Graham

{{short description|Premier of New Brunswick from 2006 to 2010}}
{{for|the Barbadian cricketer|Shawn Graham (cricketer)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| honorific-suffix    = 
| image               =Shawn Graham 2007.JPG
| caption             =
| order               = 31st
| office              = Premier of New Brunswick
| term_start          = October 3, 2006
| term_end            = October 12, 2010
| monarch             = [[Elizabeth II]]
| lieutenant_governor = {{Plainlist|
*[[Herménégilde Chiasson]]
*[[Graydon Nicholas]]
}}
| predecessor         = [[Bernard Lord]]
| successor           = [[David Alward]]
| assembly1           = New Brunswick Legislative
| constituency_AM1    = [[Kent (provincial electoral district)|Kent]]
| term_start1         = October 19, 1998
| term_end1           = March 11, 2013
| predecessor1        = [[Alan R. Graham|Alan Graham]]
| successor1          = [[Brian Gallant]]
| birth_name          = Shawn Michael Graham
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1968|02|22}}
| birth_place         = [[Rexton, New Brunswick]]
| death_date          =
| death_place         =
| party               = [[Liberal Party of New Brunswick|Liberal]]
| spouse              = Roxane Reeves
| signature           = Shawn Graham Signature.svg
}}
'''Shawn Michael Graham''' (born February 22, 1968) is a [[Canadians|Canadian]] politician, who served as the 31st [[premier of New Brunswick]] from 2006 to 2010. He was elected leader of the [[New Brunswick Liberal Party]] in 2002 and became premier after his party captured a majority of seats in the [[2006 New Brunswick general election|2006 election]]. After being elected, Graham initiated a number of changes to provincial policy especially in the areas of health care, education and energy. His party was defeated in the New Brunswick provincial election held September 27, 2010, and Graham resigned as Liberal leader on November 9, 2010.

==Early career==
Graham was born in [[Rexton, New Brunswick]], Canada and raised in a political family, with his father [[Alan R. Graham]] being the longest serving member of the [[Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick]]. The family has ancestral homes in the communities of Five Rivers and [[Weldford Parish, New Brunswick|Main River]] with roots going back to the early 19th century. Shawn Graham was born the year after his father's first election as MLA for Kent County, New Brunswick.

Graham graduated from the [[University of New Brunswick]], as an alumnus of both [[Harrison House (Fredericton)|Harrison House]] and Neill House, after which he completed an education degree at [[St. Thomas University (New Brunswick)|St Thomas University]] in Fredericton. Graham spent much of his career before entering elected politics working for the province's [[civil service]] and when his father resigned from the legislature in 1998, Shawn Graham was elected to replace him in a [[by-election]] called by Premier Camille Theriault as a member of the [[New Brunswick Liberal Association|Liberal Party]]. Following the [[1999 New Brunswick general election|general election of 1999]], the Liberals were reduced to 10 seats from 45, and by early 2001 they were down to 7 seats following the resignation of several former cabinet ministers. This gave the young politician the chance to rise to prominence.<ref name="Chisholm Pothier 2002">Chisholm Pothier. "Graham's free ride comes to an end", Fredericton Daily Gleaner. April 1, 2002.</ref>

==Leadership campaign==
Liberal leader [[Camille Theriault]] resigned in March 2001, and a [[2002 New Brunswick Liberal Association leadership election|leadership convention]] was set for May 12, 2002. Few candidates emerged for this campaign and it appeared that former [[cabinet minister]] [[Paul Duffie]] would win virtually unopposed.<ref>Chisholm Pothier, "Scott rejects criticism; Fredericton MP defends support of Paul Duffie for leader." The Daily Gleaner, November 19, 2001.</ref>  Graham was urged to run, and eventually entered the race with the support of [[Greg Byrne]], a previous leadership contender, and many of the supporters of [[Bernard Richard]], also a former leadership contender and the [[Interim leader (Canada)|interim leader]] following the resignation of Theriault.<ref>Daniel McHardie, "Graham to announce leadership candidacy; Shawn Graham to officially announce candidacy for province's Liberal leadership Jan. 28." Times & Transcript, January 16, 2002.</ref>

Surprising many pundits, Graham was successful in taking a solid lead during delegate selection meetings in February and March 2002, and, as a result, Duffie dropped out of the race.<ref name="Chisholm Pothier 2002"/>  This left only fringe candidate [[Jack MacDougall]] in the race who Graham defeated by a 3 to 1 margin at the May convention.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/graham-to-guide-grits-1.349898 | work=CBC News | title=Graham to guide Grits | date=May 12, 2002}}</ref>

==Toward the 2003 election==
As leader, Graham was considered a lightweight by pundits and by the governing [[Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick|Progressive Conservative Party]], and few gave him a chance in the 2003 election.

Graham surprised pundits again during the [[2003 New Brunswick general election|2003 election]], running an energetic campaign and winning 26 of 55 seats, just two short of the Conservatives, and coming within 1% of the Conservatives in the popular vote. Pundits said Graham and Lord had fought the English language debate to a draw, while they viewed Graham as the winner of the French debate; this was despite the fact that Lord was a francophone and that Graham's command of French was viewed as one of his largest liabilities. The Liberals controlled the agenda of the campaign, always keeping their three key issues: public automobile insurance, public health care and public power in the forefront of the agenda.

Graham often cited the fact that had 10 votes swung from the Conservatives to the Liberals in the [[Kennebecasis (electoral district)|riding of Kennebecasis]] there would have been a 27–27 tie which may have led to a Liberal [[minority government]] supported by the [[New Brunswick New Democratic Party|New Democrats]] whose one member would have held the balance of power. Graham was quoted on election night saying "until five minutes ago, I thought I was going to be premier".

==Toward the 2006 election==
[[Image:Shawngraham-polling.PNG|thumb|250px|right|Graham's Liberals (red) held a continuous lead over their main opponents, the Progressive Conservatives (blue), for over two years in opinion polls before slipping behind following a prolonged debate over procedure in the legislature]]

Graham's Liberals captured a [[by-election]] victory on October 4, 2004, in [[Shediac-Cap-Pelé]]. Graham's upward momentum continued when, in an [[opinion poll]] released on December 9, 2004, the Liberals expanded their lead over the Conservatives to 46% to 36%, but also, for the first time since Graham became leader, he was the preferred choice of New Brunswickers for [[Premier of New Brunswick|premier]] beating the incumbent Bernard Lord 34% to 27%.

In the spring session of the legislature, Graham attempted to pass a snap [[motion of no confidence]] during his speech on the budget. There was brief excitement on Liberal benches as less than half of the government caucus was present for Graham's speech, however the speaker ruled that the vote would be held along with the main budget motion at the end of the following week. Graham was criticised because when the vote was held two of his members were absent. Graham defended their absence arguing that, because [[New Brunswick New Democratic Party|New Democratic Party]] leader [[Elizabeth Weir]] was also absent, it was impossible to defeat the government, and he did not see the need to [[whip (politics)|whip]] his members.

Graham's victory in a subsequent by-election on November 14, 2005, in [[Saint John Harbour (electoral district)|Saint John Harbour]] with candidate [[Ed Doherty (politician)|Ed Doherty]], as well as his continued lead in opinion polls, quieted any criticism of his leadership for a time. In 2006, however, following the brief [[minority government]] when [[Michael Malley]] left the government caucus for 6 weeks, Graham took a very aggressive stance towards forcing an election. A prolonged dispute over the functioning of legislature was undertaken, crippling most of the business of the House. Graham and the Liberals were criticized for this and, for the first time in over 2 years, in June 2006 the PCs regained the lead in opinion polls and Lord took a double-digit lead in preference for Premier.

Throughout the term that began following the 2003 election, Graham has worked hard to portray himself and his caucus as a "government-in-waiting".  From the Lord government's introduction of controversial health reforms in the spring of 2004, Graham said he would force an election at his earliest opportunity.

His strategy was to focus heavily on policy, and his party introduced a record number of pieces of legislation for an opposition party.

In addition to his legislative agenda, Graham and the Liberals launched a series of regional policy meetings culminating in a policy convention in the fall of 2005.  Graham also convened a meeting of all of the Liberal leaders of the [[Maritime provinces]] to discuss common policy objectives, engaged in several tours of the province on particular policy issues and took several trips to [[Ottawa]] to meet with federal ministers on various issues.

In early 2006, Graham set out on a tour of the [[northeast United States]], [[Washington, D.C.]] and the [[Maritimes]] to promote New Brunswick as an "energy hub" and his idea of building a second reactor at the [[Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station]].

On February 17, 2006, Bernard Lord's government was reduced to a [[minority government|minority]] when [[Michael Malley]] [[crossed the floor]] to sit as an [[independent (politician)|independent]]. Graham said, if Malley would support the Liberals, he would have brought down the government on an April 7, 2006 budget vote forcing [[56th New Brunswick general election|an early election]]. Malley was subsequently elected speaker however, creating an equality of government and opposition members; the April 7 vote came to a tie which was broken in favour of the government by Malley in accordance with tradition.

Following this, Malley rejoined the Conservative caucus from the speaker's chair. This created some controversy and Graham's Liberals held up some business in the House as a procedural stalemate ensued for some weeks. Finally the Conservative and Liberal House Leaders signed an agreement on May 31, 2006, which laid out a detailed plan for the conduct of the business of the House and which seemingly guaranteed that the next election would be held on Lord's preferred date of October 15, 2007. This protracted procedural battle did not seem to go well for the Liberals when, in an opinion poll released on June 12, 2006, the Tories took the lead over the Liberals for the first time in any poll since August 2003.

===The election campaign===
Bernard Lord announced on August 10, 2006, that an [[2006 New Brunswick general election|election]] would be held on September 18, 2006, due to the pending resignation of Conservative MLA [[Peter Mesheau]] from the legislature that would have created another minority government.

Graham had already started a campaign in earnest, having announced his energy platform on August 8<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Atlantic/060808/t080812.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804185802/http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Atlantic/060808/t080812.html | archive-date=2012-08-04 | url-status=dead| title=Sorry - we can't find that page }}</ref> and having nominated several candidates already. With the election call, the party gave him the authority to appoint the 25 MLAs seeking re-election as candidates bringing the total number of nominated Liberal candidates to 30 of 55.<ref>[[Nathan White (journalist)|Nathan White]], ''<nowiki/>'It's do or die' time for leaders'', New Brunswick [[Telegraph-Journal]], page A2, August 11, 2006 [http://canadaeast.com/tp/news/article.php?articleID=31285]{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>  Graham said he would pursue education, economic development and energy as three key issues during the campaign.<ref>''The issues'', [[The Daily Gleaner|Daily Gleaner]], page A1, August 11, 2006 [http://canadaeast.com/dg/news/article.php?articleID=31363]{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Graham stated that if he did not win the election, he would resign as Liberal leader.<ref>Carl Davies, ''LAST-CHANCE ELECTION'', New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, page A1, August 11, 2006</ref>

Graham won the 2006 election by taking 29 out of the 55 seats in the legislature despite the Liberals narrowly trailing the Progressive Conservatives in the popular vote.

==Premier of New Brunswick==
Graham was elected premier under a platform called the ''Charter for Change'', he pledged to focus on "the three Es": energy, education and the economy.  He also pledged to make the province self-sufficient, that is to no longer depend on [[Canadian Transfer Payments|federal equalization payments]], by 2026.<ref>Charles Mandel. "From worst to first", New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. August 9, 2006, page A1.</ref><ref>Telegraph Journal, 24 July 2010</ref>

Though they won the election with a slight deficit in the popular vote, upon taking office, the Liberals surged in popularity.  In December 2006, a poll showed the Liberals had surged to a lead of 65–27 in opinion polls,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cra.ca/en/home/Newsroom/SupportForNBProvincialLiberalsSurges.aspx |title=Newsroom |access-date=2008-11-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104155118/http://www.cra.ca/en/home/Newsroom/SupportForNBProvincialLiberalsSurges.aspx |archive-date=2009-01-04 }}</ref> thereafter polls have shown{{when|date=March 2025}} the Liberals ahead by a minimum of 17%.<ref>http://www.cra.ca/site-cra/media/CRA/08-3%20NB%20Tables.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219114350/http://www.cra.ca/site-cra/media/CRA/08-3%20NB%20Tables.pdf |date=2008-12-19 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

Graham's Liberals maintained the lead in a number of polls despite addressing a number of controversial issues such as post-secondary education reform, French second-language education, a bailout of a credit union and the restructuring of the province's public health care administration.<ref>New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, "Graham's mid-tem". June 20, 2008, page A6.</ref>

===Transition and day-one actions===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:NBcabinet2006.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Graham with his first cabinet|{{Deletable image-caption|1=Wednesday, 20 May 2009}}]] -->

On September 20, 2006, Graham appointed a transition team to begin to transfer power headed by [[Doug Tyler]]. Graham, as New Brunswick's 31st Premier, and the rest of the [[Executive Council of New Brunswick|cabinet]] were sworn in by [[Lieutenant-Governors of New Brunswick|Lieutenant-Governor]] [[Herménégilde Chiasson]] on October 3, 2006.

On his first day in office, Graham acted on five campaign promises. His government cut the [[excise tax]] on [[gasoline]] by 3.8 cents per litre, moved [[nursing home]] payments from [[means test|an assets-based test to an income-based test]], provided students with a reduced tuition of $2000 for their first year in university, provided the [[Saint John, New Brunswick|City of Saint John]] with a [[memorandum of understanding]] to provide a third of required monies for the clean up of [[Saint John, New Brunswick harbour cleanup|Saint John harbour]] and established separate ministers for Agriculture & Aquaculture, Fisheries, Housing and Seniors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2006e1225pr.htm |title=First cabinet meeting / Lower gas prices, student grants, new government departments (06/10/03)<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2006-10-25 |archive-date=2006-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061028203836/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2006e1225pr.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, on its first day in office, it pledged $2 million to assist in maintaining [[Bay Ferries|ferry service]] from Saint John to [[Digby, Nova Scotia]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/061003/n100348.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724191146/http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/061003/n100348.html | archive-date=2012-07-24 | url-status=dead| title=Sorry - we can't find that page }}</ref>

In addition to being Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (a post often held by premiers in Canada), Graham took on the role of Minister of Wellness, Culture and Sport. Graham, who has a background in athletics competing in the 1985 [[Canada Games]] for New Brunswick in [[track and field]], wanted to take the portfolio to ensure it was a priority in large part to fight [[childhood obesity]] in the province, which is the highest in the country.<ref>Daniel McHardie, ''Premier earmarks wellness as priority'', [[Times & Transcript]], page A1, October 25, 2006</ref>

===First year (2006–07)===
On October 12, 2006, Graham announced several senior appointments. He appointed a president of [[NB Liquor]] and [[Deputy minister (Canada)|deputy ministers]] for the [[Department of Energy (New Brunswick)|Department of Energy]] and the [[Department of Justice and Consumer Affairs (New Brunswick)|Department of Justice and Consumer Affairs]] to replace Conservative political appointees who had resigned when Graham took office. He also appointed former cabinet minister [[Bernard Thériault]] as his [[chief of staff (politics)|chief of staff]] and his former Opposition chief of staff Chris Baker to be secretary of the [[Policy and Priorities Committee]] of Cabinet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2006e1249pr.htm |title=Five senior government appointments announced (06/10/12)<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2006-10-12 |archive-date=2006-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061028224635/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2006e1249pr.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Early in its mandate, the government implemented increases to the amount of care received by nursing home and [[homecare]] clients. It also appointed [[Bernard Richard]] as [[Child and Youth Advocate]], a position which had been vacant since its creation in 2005 as a result of a then-opposition Liberal-sponsored bill. In December 2006, the province announced an agreement with private auto insurance companies that would see some restructuring of regulations and an average decrease of 13.5% in insurance rates by March 1, 2007. The province also appointed several commissions to investigate larger issues: a Community Non-Profit Task Force,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2006e1588pr.htm | title=Op-ed / Year in review / Premier Shawn Graham (06/12/20) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2008-05-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504101509/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2006e1588pr.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref> a Self-Sufficiency Task Force<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/sst/2007e0056tf.htm |title = Premier announces Self-Sufficiency Task Force (07/01/16)}}</ref> and a Commission on Post-Secondary Education.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pet/2007e0075pe.htm | title=Premier announces NB Commission on Post-Secondary Education (07/01/19) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2007-08-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828052949/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pet/2007e0075pe.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref> The Liberals however cancelled a tax rebate on energy costs brought forward by the previous government which they had said they would maintain. The Liberals defended the move saying that the Conservatives had left the province's finances "in a downward spiral" and that the program was bad policy because it didn't encourage energy conservation.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-liberals-cancel-tory-tax-rebate-1.578984 | publisher=CBC News | title=N.B. Liberals cancel Tory tax rebate | date=December 21, 2006 |access-date=2021-03-17}}</ref>

On March 13, 2007, Graham's [[Department of Finance (New Brunswick)|Finance Minister]] [[Victor Boudreau]] introduced the government's first budget.  While the budget was balanced, despite warnings months earlier from an independent auditor that the province was facing a massive deficit, and increased spending in priority areas,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/fin/2007e0324fn.htm |title = Financial challenge addressed leading to balanced 2007-2008 budget (07/03/13)}}</ref> it was criticized by the opposition for having raised some taxes. Boudreau defended the increases saying "we all enjoy lower taxes, but when the level of taxation is insufficient to ensure the continued provision of essential public services, it needs to be addressed."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/070313/n031330A.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729233703/http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/070313/n031330A.html | archive-date=2012-07-29 | url-status=dead| title=Sorry - we can't find that page }}</ref>

The spring of 2007 saw the Liberal majority grow by six; they added a seat when [[Chris Collins (Canadian politician)|Chris Collins]] won a by-election in [[Moncton East]], the seat vacated when former Premier Bernard Lord stepped down from provincial politics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gnb.ca/elections/06prov/07mar05/07mar05provbyresults-e.asp |title=Elections NB - Provincial By-Election Results |access-date=2008-11-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070903030726/http://www.gnb.ca/elections/06prov/07mar05/07mar05provbyresults-e.asp |archive-date=2007-09-03 }}</ref> A short time later, Tory MLAs and spouses [[Wally Stiles]] and [[Joan MacAlpine-Stiles]] crossed the floor to give the Liberals 32 seats, compared to 23 for the opposition.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/stiles-macalpine-stiles-cross-the-floor-1.641728 | work=CBC News | title=Stiles, MacAlpine-Stiles cross the floor | date=April 17, 2007}}</ref>

The report of the Self-Sufficiency Task Force was released in May will 91 recommendations covering 11 themes, 80 of which were to be acted upon within one year.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/sst/2007e0567tf.htm |title = Self-Sufficiency Task Force releases final report (07/05/07)}}</ref>

During a marathon 79-day spring sitting of the legislature, Graham's government unveiled an education plan called ''When Kids Come First'' the stated aim of which is to build the best education system in Canada. The government began a refurbishment of its [[Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station]], launched a feasibility study into building a second reactor there, and began projects to add 300 megawatts of wind power to the province's electric grid. It also invested $40 million into affordable housing and opened 125 new nursing home beds.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2007e0884pr.htm |title = Op-ed / Close of legislative session (07/07/06)}}</ref> Additionally, Graham and his [[Department of Environment (New Brunswick)|Environment Minister]] [[Roland Haché]] launched a Climate Change Action Plan, a five-year strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the province.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/env/2007e0733ev.htm |title = Province launches five-year Climate Change Action Plan (07/06/08)}}</ref>

Over the summer, a number of major economic projects were announced by Graham including a $1.7 billion potash mine near [[Sussex, New Brunswick|Sussex]]<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/potash-corp-unveils-new-n-b-mine-1.665323 | work=CBC News | title=Potash Corp. unveils new N.B. mine | date=July 20, 2007}}</ref> and a $21.5 million steel fabrication plan and centre of excellence in [[Miramichi, New Brunswick|Miramichi]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-steel-plant-to-help-build-n-w-t-bridge-1.637458 | work=CBC News | title=New steel plant to help build N.W.T. bridge | date=September 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2007e1652pr.htm | title=Op-ed article / Year in review (07/12/21) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2011-06-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611210516/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2007e1652pr.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In August, Graham hosted all 13 Canadian premiers and territorial leaders in [[Moncton]] as incoming chair of the [[Council of the Federation]].  The meeting focused on issues of energy<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2007e1010pr.htm |title = Council of the Federation releases shared vision of Canada's energy future (07/08/09)}}</ref> and climate change.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/env/2007e1011ev.htm |title = Council of the Federation plants trees to offset conference greenhouse gas emissions (07/08/09)}}</ref>

In September, the report of the Commission on Post-Secondary Education was released. It contained a wide-number of recommendations meant to be considered together as a comprehensive reform package.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/cpse/2007e1157cp.htm |title = Commission recommends integrated post-secondary education system focused on students (07/09/14)}}</ref>  The authors indicated in their submission to government that:

:''Due to the complexities and interrelationships involved, this is a document that cannot be easily scanned. Readers will need to spend time understanding the dynamics and relevance of the issues raised. At the risk of stating the obvious, the recommendations are also highly interrelated and should not be considered discrete advice. Such an approach could result in the essence of the report being misinterpreted.''<ref>http://www.gnb.ca/cpse-ceps/EN/docs/CEPNB_cahier_ang_LR.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209131957/http://www.gnb.ca/cpse-ceps/EN/docs/CEPNB_cahier_ang_LR.pdf |date=2008-12-09 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

The day the report was presented to government, [[Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (New Brunswick)|Post-Secondary Education Minister]] [[Ed Doherty (politician)|Ed Doherty]] was quoted at the top of a news release saying, "these are only recommendations from an independent commission and final decisions haven't been made yet by our government" and that government would take time to evaluate them before making any decisions.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pet/2007e1159pe.htm |title = Minister receives recommendations of independent Commission on Post-Secondary Education (07/09/14)}}</ref>

The most controversial proposal was to convert the Saint John campus of the [[University of New Brunswick]], and the [[Edmundston]] and [[Shippagan]] campuses of the [[University of Moncton]] into "[[institute of technology|polytechnics]]." Controversy surrounded the Saint John school in particular.  A month later the government said it would set aside the possibility of UNB Saint John losing its status as a 'university' and would refer the report to a working group for further study.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/unb-saint-john-will-remain-a-university-says-minister-1.674035 | work=CBC News | title=UNB Saint John will remain a university, says minister | date=October 17, 2007}}</ref>  The government would go on to announce in January that UNBSJ would retain its liberal arts program and its association with UNB<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0119pr.htm | title=State of the Province Address: 2008 to be a turning point for province (08/01/31) | access-date=2008-11-17 | archive-date=2012-09-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919150528/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0119pr.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref> and the working group reported back to government in May, with its findings and government's response being made public in June.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/post-secondary-education-report-will-be-released-within-days-minister-1.725751 | work=CBC News | title=Post-secondary education report will be released within days: minister | date=June 13, 2008}}</ref>

===Second year (2007–08)===
Shortly after the first anniversary of his election, Graham [[cabinet shuffle|shuffled his cabinet]]. He added two new ministers: outgoing [[speaker (politics)|speaker]] [[Eugene McGinley]] and [[Wally Stiles]]. Five other ministers were affected by the shuffle. Two ministers who had multiple portfolios ceded some of their responsibilities: the premier ceded his responsibility for the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport; and [[Department of Finance (New Brunswick)|Finance Minister]] [[Victor Boudreau]] gave up responsibility for the Department of Local Government. Three other ministers, namely [[Hédard Albert]], [[Carmel Robichaud]] and [[Mary Schryer]] changed portfolios, including a promotion for Schryer who moved from minister of state to full minister.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2007e1402pr.htm | title=Additions, changes to cabinet aimed at implementing self-sufficiency (07/10/31) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2011-06-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611210624/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2007e1402pr.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>  There was another minor adjustment to cabinet in January 2008 when [[Roly MacIntyre]] resigned from cabinet, his portfolios were taken on by other ministers in the cabinet.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0033pr.htm | title=Roly MacIntyre steps down as minister, remains MLA (08/01/17) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2012-09-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918020649/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0033pr.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January, Graham unveiled a new [[brand]] called ''Be... in this place'' to give a common look and feel to provincial activities.  A new brand was the first recommendation of the Self-Sufficiency Task Force.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0114pr.htm |title = '''REVISED/'''Province of New Brunswick introduces updated brand (08/01/31)}}</ref> In February, the province unveiled its population growth strategy called ''Be Our Future'' setting out the plan to attract 100,000 new people to the province by 2026 as part of achieving self-sufficiency.

In March, the government tabled its second balanced budget which included record increases to the health and education budgets and a [[tuition freeze]] for students at the province's four public universities.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/fin/2008e0328fn.htm |title = 2008-09 budget supports transformational change in New Brunswick (08/03/18)}}</ref>

In March and April, the province unveiled its plans for healthcare. A dramatic change to the administration of the province's public healthcare moved the province from eight regional health authorities to two with a new [[crown corporation]] to handle non-clinical functions on behalf of both authorities.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/he/2008e0299he.htm | title=Transformational changes put patients first (08/03/11)}}</ref>  A new provincial health plan, was also launched with plans to invest over $154 million in addition to regular inflationary increases over four years. The plan included plans for new community health centres, broader addiction treatment services, [[HPV vaccine|HPV vaccinations]] for school children, the introduction of [[midwifery]] to the public health system, enabling pharmacists to write some prescriptions and the hiring of 100 new doctors and 40 [[nurse practitioner]]s.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/he/2008e0384he.htm | title=New Provincial Health Plan puts needs of patients first (08/04/01) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2011-06-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611211416/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/he/2008e0384he.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Much of the spring and summer of Graham's second year in office was dominated by the debate of French second-language programs. In February, a commission recommended that government should scrap [[early immersion]] in favour of a universal curriculum in [[elementary school]] which would see anglophone students learn in their mother tongue from [[kindergarten]] through Grade 4 and then all study French through an intensive program in Grade 5 before choosing between an immersion or non-immersion program. The commission said that this was the best route because under the existing model, over 93% of students with special learning needs were being [[tracking (education)|streamed]] into non-immersion classrooms.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/misc/2008e0242mi.htm |title = Changes recommended to French second-language programs and services (anglophone sector) (08/02/27)}}</ref> In March, Minister of Education [[Kelly Lamrock]] announced that the government would move forward with the recommendations for the reasons stated by the commissioners. Lamrock said the changes would further promote bilingualism by giving all students access to a quality second-language program noting that the early immersion model had been implemented in a time when there was resistance to [[official bilingualism in Canada|bilingualism]] and that it only worked well for small groups of students, not the large groups that were now interested in becoming bilingual.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/edu/2008e0310ed.htm |title = Improvements being made to French second-language programs and services (anglophone sector) (08/03/14)}}</ref> There was considerable opposition to this move, including from the province's official languages commissioner and ombudsman.<ref>Ombudsman's report: {{cite web|url=http://www.gnb.ca/0073/PDF/FSLReport-e.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-06-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119141103/http://www.gnb.ca/0073/PDF/FSLReport-e.pdf |archive-date=2008-11-19 }}; Mary Moszynski, "Minister won't back down". Moncton [[Times & Transcript]], March 26, 2008, page A3.</ref>  In June, the [[Court of King's Bench of New Brunswick|Court of Queen's Bench]] ruled on a case brought forward by opponents to the changes. The court sided with the opponents on one ground that the government had implied that there would be two months of consultation on the commission report, when there had only been two weeks. Though the court ruled in favour of the government on two other grounds, it quashed the decision saying that the government could go forward with the changes as is but first must consult the public.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-early-french-immersion-cuts-unfair-and-unreasonable-judge-1.695845 | work=CBC News | title=N.B. early French immersion cuts 'unfair and unreasonable': judge | date=June 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080611.wnbimmersion0611/BNStory/National/home |title=Globeandmail.com: N.B. Bid to scrap early French immersion suffers setback |website=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=2017-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409232415/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080611.wnbimmersion0611/BNStory/National/home |archive-date=2009-04-09 }}</ref>  Following an additional six weeks of consultation, on August 5 the government announced a revised model to be implemented in September 2008, which would provide a "universal learning environment" including exposure to French culture from kindergarten through Grade 2 projected to start in 2009, an optional entry to immersion in Grade 3 projected to start in 2010, further French instruction for non-immersion students in grades 3 through 5 with another optional entry to late immersion in Grade 6.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/edu/2008e1124ed.htm |title = Consultation results in improved French second-language programming (08/08/05)}}</ref>  The revised program has been generally well received.<ref>Marty Klinkenberg. "Education minister checks his ego at the door", New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. August 6, 2008, page A1</ref>

In June, the working group that had been appointed to review the Commission on Post-Secondary Education reported back to government. Graham announced that the government would forgo the recommendations about creating polytechnics, but would follow through on recommendations to greater integrate the universities and colleges in the province, and promised at least $90 million in new money.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0952pe.htm |title = Plan for transformation of post-secondary education unveiled (08/06/26)}}</ref> In July, Graham committed $20 million to the restoration of the [[Petitcodiac River]]. The river system had been changed by the construction of a [[Petitcodiac River Causeway|causeway]] in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e0999ss.htm |title = Province invests $20 million for Phase 1 of Petitcodiac River restoration (08/07/07)}}</ref>

===Third year (2008–09)===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Graham-Sarkozy.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Graham and French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] at the 12th Francophonie Summit|{{Deletable image-caption|1=Monday, 7 September 2009}}]] -->

Graham began the third year of his mandate in October 2008.

From October 17 to 19, Graham attended the 12th [[Francophonie]] Summit in [[Quebec City]] to discuss four major issues: democracy and rule of law; economic governance and solidarity; environment (water management and forest management); and the French language. In addition to the official deliberations, New Brunswick helped organize a cultural event called Passion Francophonie which featured artists from Madagascar, France, Vietnam, Quebec, and New Brunswick; New Brunswick also hosted a breakfast for heads of government that featured New Brunswick food products.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/iga/2008e1492ig.htm |title = Premier heads New Brunswick delegation to Francophonie summit (08/10/10)}}</ref>

Graham participated in a [[Council of the Federation]] [[trade mission]] to [[China]] from November 2 to 7.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2008e1594pr.htm |title = New Brunswick companies seek trade opportunities in China (08/10/29)}}</ref>  The mission yielded $75.5 million in new business for New Brunswick companies on its first full day in China.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/bnb/2008e1623bn.htm | title=Four contracts signed between New Brunswick and Chinese companies (08/11/03) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2011-06-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611211754/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/bnb/2008e1623bn.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>  A [[by-election]] was held in the conservative riding of [[New Maryland-Sunbury West]] on November 3, 2008.  Although the Liberals increased their share of the vote by nearly 3%, they were unable to capture the riding.<ref>[http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/rss/article/469926 Stephen Llewellyn. "Jack Carr wins riding for Tories", Fredericton Daily Gleaner. November 4, 2008, page A1.]</ref>

On November 12, Graham announced a second major cabinet shuffle.  Two ministers - Eugene McGinley and Carmel Robichaud - were dropped from cabinet, while three new individuals joined the cabinet - [[Rick Brewer]], [[Brian Kenny (politician)|Brian Kenny]] and [[Bernard LeBlanc]]. Three other ministers changed portfolios, including: [[Donald Arseneault]], Ed Doherty and Wally Stiles.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/ex/2008e1667ex.htm | title=Premier announces additions/Changes to cabinet (08/11/12) | access-date=2008-11-12 | archive-date=2018-06-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625081654/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/ex/2008e1667ex.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The third legislative session of Graham's government began with a [[speech from the throne|throne speech]] on November 25, 2008. The speech focussed on "keeping commitments, carefully managing through the [[2008 financial crisis]], and a renewed focus on and commitment to achieving self-sufficiency."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/leg/2008e1727la.htm | title=Throne speech highlights / Third session of 56th Legislative Assembly (08/11/25) | access-date=2008-11-27 | archive-date=2008-12-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209024457/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/leg/2008e1727la.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>

On the second day of the session, Graham's government introduced a 100-page bill called the ''Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act'' to change all provincial laws making same-sex common law couples equal to opposite-sex couples, in accordance with the [[M. v. H.]] decision of the [[Supreme Court of Canada]] in 1999.  The previous Conservative government, in office from 1999 to 2006, did not introduce such legislation.<ref>Quentin Casey. "Government tables same-sex benefits bill," New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. November 27, 2008, page A3.[http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/actualites/article/493946]</ref>

On December 3, 2008, Graham's finance minister, Victor Boudreau, gave an economic and fiscal update in light of the economic situation.  The statement indicated that the 2008-09 fiscal year would likely see a $285 million deficit, instead of the $19 million surplus that had been projected.  In order to stimulate the economy, the government announced it would bring forward a two-year capital spending plan that would total more than $1.2 billion, including the largest capital budget in the province's history for 2009–10 to be tabled on December 9, 2008.  Other measures announced to control spending and ensure economic growth in light of the economic situation were: a review of all government programs, providing capital to small, medium and large businesses, renewing a commitment to tax reform that will include "lowering personal and corporate income taxes".<ref>http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/fin/2008e1761fb.htm{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Additionally, Boudreau indicated the salaries for members of the legislature would be frozen for one year "to lead by example."

In Graham's 2009 state of the province address, he pledged to make the economy his government's top priority and amended the three Es from his campaign platform (formerly education, energy and the economy) to read, "the economy, the economy, and the economy."  He also pledged that his promised changes to the tax system would mean more than $100 million in savings to New Brunswickers in the coming year.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2009e0083pr.htm |title = State of the province address: 2009 will see strong and determined leadership (09/01/29)}}</ref>

In early March, Graham's party won a by-election in [[Restigouche-La-Vallée]] on a [[swing (politics)|swing]] of nearly 15 per cent.<ref>http://www.gnb.ca/elections/06prov/09mar09/09mar09provbyresults-e.asp{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>  Since the previous election, this was the third by-election, all held in ridings previously held by the Conservative opposition.  Graham's Liberals improved their showing in all three ridings, and won two counting this one.

On March 17, Graham joined his finance minister Victor Boudreau to introduce the budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year.  The budget included $144 million in personal and corporate tax reductions and a pledge to lower taxes by a total of over $380 million over four years, and budget deficit of $741 million.  It centred around the so-called ''Plan for a Stronger Economy'' which included the tax cuts, a four-year plan to return the province to balanced budgets, the $1.2 billion in infrastructure spending previously announced in December, investments in priority areas with cuts in other areas to ensure "responsible management" of government expenditure.  Savings were released by instituting a two-year wage freeze for all government employees, the elimination of 700 civil service positions and the elimination of some services,<ref name="gnb.ca">{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/fin/2009e0338fn.htm |title = Province provides leadership for stronger economy with 2009-10 budget (09/03/17)}}</ref> most controversially the elimination of three ferries in the lower [[Saint John River (New Brunswick)|Saint John River Valley]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/cuts-to-local-n-b-ferry-services-called-st-paddy-s-day-massacre-1.788152 | work=CBC News | title=Cuts to local N.B. ferry services called 'St. Paddy's Day massacre' | date=March 18, 2009}}</ref> Later there was also controversy surrounding some cuts to education services<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/parents-protest-cuts-to-n-b-education-department-1.811497 | work=CBC News | title=Parents protest cuts to N.B. education department | date=May 28, 2009}}</ref>—despite an increase of funding to the education department,<ref name="gnb.ca"/> and a dispute with the province's physicians over their payment.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-medical-society-promises-court-fight-over-fee-freeze-law-1.789343 | work=CBC News | title=N.B. Medical Society promises court fight over fee-freeze law | date=June 19, 2009}}</ref> The province's tax reforms attracted positive national attention, however, with the [[Canadian Federation of Independent Business]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cfib.ca/en/media/releases09/nb031709.asp |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-06-22 |archive-date=2012-07-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729031646/http://www.cfib.ca/en/media/releases09/nb031709.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> the [[National Post]] newspaper,<ref>[http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/03/18/editorial-new-brunswick-shows-the-way-on-tax-reduction.aspx nationalpost.com]{{dead link|date=October 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and the [[Atlantic Institute for Market Studies]]<ref>http://www.aims.ca/inthemedia.asp?typeID=4&id=2521&fd=0&p=2{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> all spoke on it favourably.

In May 2009, Atcon, a long-standing business in the [[Miramichi, New Brunswick|Miramichi]] region, fell into financial difficulty.  Both political parties in the legislature agreed that some sort of assistance should be made to the company, though there was disagreement on the details.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/province-mulls-substantial-bailout-for-miramichi-construction-firm-premier-1.803156 |title = Province mulls substantial bailout for Miramichi construction firm: Premier &#124; CBC News}}</ref>  In June 2009, Graham's government granted $50 million in loan guarantees, which was in addition to previous assistance granted to the company totalling about $20 million which had been provided by governments of both political stripes over the years.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-government-atcon-reach-50m-deal-for-3-loan-guarantees-1.784986 |title = N.B. Government, Atcon reach $50M deal for 3 loan guarantees &#124; CBC News}}</ref>  The company eventually failed anyway and the Progressive Conservatives filed an allegation of conflict of interest against Graham which was not resolved until after his government left office.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-premier-s-atcon-ties-spark-conflict-complaint-1.970501 | title=N.B. Premier's Atcon ties spark conflict complaint &#124; CBC News}}</ref>

On June 22, 2009, Graham undertook another cabinet shuffle.  In the most significant shuffle since taking office, Graham moved all of his major ministers.  There were new ministers for the three largest departments in government &ndash; [[Department of Health (New Brunswick)|Health]], [[Department of Education (New Brunswick)|Education]] and [[Department of Social Development (New Brunswick)|Social Development]] &ndash; as well as the important portfolios of [[Department of Finance (New Brunswick)|Finance]], [[Attorney General of New Brunswick|Attorney General]] and [[Business New Brunswick]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/ex/2009e0884ex.htm | title=Premier announces changes to cabinet (09/06/22) | access-date=2009-06-22 | archive-date=2009-06-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626154511/http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/ex/2009e0884ex.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Fourth year (2009–10)===
In October 2009 Premier Graham announced a [[Proposed sale of NB Power|Memorandum of Understanding]] between the provinces of New Brunswick and [[Quebec]] proposing to sell the [[NB Power|New Brunswick Power]] electricity generation, transmission and distribution network to the Quebec government-owned [[Hydro-Québec]] electricity corporation.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/quebec-n-b-strike-4-8b-deal-for-nb-power-1.787566 | work=CBC News | title=Quebec, N.B. strike $4.8B deal for NB Power | date=October 29, 2009}}</ref> Under this plan Hydro-Québec would pay the $4.8 billion debt of NB Power and provide rate savings valued at $5.6 billion by freezing New Brunswick residential electricity rates for five years and matching industrial rates to Quebec for five years, while rising both at the rate of inflation thereafter.<ref>http://www.lowerratesnb.ca/downloads/Rate_Impacts_of_MOU_en.pdf{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The plan met with some support<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/895412|title=Telegraph-Journal &#124; TJ.news}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/891354 |title=Nbbusinessjournal.com - is owning NB Power worth the cost? &#124; David Campbell - Breaking News, New Brunswick, Canada |access-date=2010-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708113540/http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/891354 |archive-date=2011-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/879788|title=Telegraph-Journal &#124; TJ.news}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/n-b-wins-in-hydro-qu%C3%A9bec-deal-economist-1.852455 | work=CBC News | title=N.B. wins in Hydro-Québec deal: economist | date=December 11, 2009}}</ref> and some opposition<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-sale-won-t-help-debt-auditor-general-1.821007 | work=CBC News | title=NB Power sale won't help debt: auditor general | date=November 14, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-union-slams-hydro-qu%C3%A9bec-deal-1.812001 | work=CBC News | title=NB Power union slams Hydro-Québec deal | date=November 13, 2009}}</ref> in New Brunswick with opinion polls showing the Liberals losing support because of the proposed agreement,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-controversy-helps-pcs-poll-1.828067 | work=CBC News | title=NB Power controversy helps PCs: poll | date=December 2, 2009}}</ref>  Graham hoped to finalize the deal before March 31, 2010, when a 3% rate increase was scheduled.  The opposition Conservatives were very critical of the proposal, though some accused them of hypocrisy for having tried to sell major NB Power assets when they were in power.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/855981|title=Telegraph-Journal &#124; TJ.news}}</ref>

On December 1, 2009, Graham's new finance minister [[Greg Byrne]] introduced his first budget.  It showed the deficit for 2009–10 had come in roughly as expected and that the 2010-11 would be in the same range - about $750 million.  The province also revised its target date to return to balanced budgets to 2014–15 from 2012 to 2013, and boosted its two-year stimulus package to $1.6 billion from $1.2 billion.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web | url=http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/fin/2009e1905fn.htm |title = Record health, education investments, priority investments key to 2010-11 budget (09/12/01)}}</ref>

On January 4, 2010, a minor cabinet shuffle was precipitated by the resignation from cabinet of Justice Minister [[Mike Murphy (New Brunswick politician)|Mike Murphy]] for personal reasons.  Local Government Minister [[Bernard LeBlanc]] replaced Murphy as justice minister, while his other responsibilities - those of attorney general and government house leader - went to [[Kelly Lamrock]] and Greg Byrne respectively.  Backbencher [[Chris Collins (Canadian politician)|Chris Collins]] joined the cabinet to replace LeBlanc as local government minister.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

On September 27, 2010, Shawn Graham lost his bid to be re-elected as Premier (13 to 42) to provincial PC leader [[David Alward]], but remained MLA for Kent riding. He stepped down as leader of the party on November 9, 2010; [[Victor Boudreau]] was selected as the party's [[Interim leader (Canada)|interim leader]] the following day.<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/n-b-liberals-name-ex-minister-as-interim-leader-1.572729 "N.B. Liberals name ex-minister as interim leader"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113080619/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20101110/nb-liberals-name-interim-leader-101110/ |date=November 13, 2010 }}. [[CTV News]], November 20, 2010.</ref>

==Later career==

After resigning as leader of the Liberal Party, Graham continued as a member of the legislative assembly until 2013.  Graham said he remained in office in part to allow for the completion of an investigation that had been launched by a political opponent about the granting of financial support to the Atcon companies.  The New Brunswick ''Members' Conflict of Interest Act'' only applies to sitting politicians, and others have left office before investigations were able to conclude.<ref name="cbc.ca">{{Cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/ex-n-b-premier-shawn-graham-resigns-seat-as-mla-1.1302466 |title = Ex-N.B. Premier Shawn Graham resigns seat as MLA &#124; CBC News}}</ref>

After nearly three years of investigation, an 80-page report was issued by the provincial conflict commissioner in February 2013.  The report found that Graham's father had a business interest in Atcon and that "the furthering of his father’s private interest although serious, was incidental to the financial aid" Graham's government had granted to Atcon. Because Graham had not excused himself from meetings where assistance to Atcon was discussed, the commissioner fined him $3,500, less than the $8,000 to $16,000 proposed by the commissioners' counsel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gnb.ca/legis/business/currentsession/57/57-3/LegDoc/en/February2013/finaldecision-e.pdf#page=73|title = Welcome - Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick}}</ref>

Graham stepped down as MLA for the riding of Kent on March 11, 2013, and paid the fine even though his resignation meant he had no legal obligation to do so.<ref name="cbc.ca"/> The opposing Progressive Conservative party said that the ensuing by-election would be a chance for voters to issue their own "verdict" on the Atcon case.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/david-alward-calls-kent-byelection-for-april-15-1.1310968 |title = David Alward calls Kent byelection for April 15 &#124; CBC News}}</ref>  Graham's successor as Liberal leader, [[Brian Gallant]], won the by-election by more than a 2-to-1 margin over the New Democratic Party with the governing Progressive Conservatives coming a distant third with less than 14% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/brian-gallant-wins-kent-byelection-for-liberals-1.1336688 |title = Brian Gallant wins Kent byelection for Liberals &#124; CBC News}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/graham-expects-to-win-leadership-1.344778 CBC News: Graham expects to win leadership, May 7, 2002]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718121303/http://www1.gnb.ca/legis/bios1/bio-e.asp?idNo=130&version=e Graham's bio as Premier]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718121325/http://www1.gnb.ca/legis/bios1/bio-e.asp?idNo=52&version=e Graham's bio as Leader of the Opposition]

{{s-start}}
{{Canadian cabinet member navigational box header |ministry=Shawn_Graham}}
{{Ministry box cabinet posts

| post4         = [[Executive Council of New Brunswick|President of the Executive Council]]
| post4years    = 2006&ndash;2010
| post4note     =
| post4preceded = [[Bernard Lord]]
| post4followed = [[David Alward]]

| post3         = [[Premier of New Brunswick]]
| post3years    = 2006&ndash;2010
| post3note     =
| post3preceded = [[Bernard Lord]]
| post3followed = [[David Alward]]

| post2         = [[Department of Intergovernmental Affairs (New Brunswick)|Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]]
| post2years    = 2006&ndash;2010
| post2note     =
| post2preceded = [[Bernard Lord]]
| post2followed = [[David Alward]]

| post1         = [[Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport (New Brunswick)|Minister of Wellness, Culture and Sport]]
| post1years    = 2006&ndash;2007
| post1note     =
| post1preceded = [[Percy Mockler]]
| post1followed = [[Hédard Albert]]
}}
{{Ministry box special cabinet
| post1         = Minister responsible for the<br />Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons
| post1years    = 2006&ndash;2010
| post1note     =
| post1preceded = [[Bernard Lord]]
| post1followed = [[David Alward]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-par|ca-nb}}
{{s-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Bernard Lord]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Premier of New Brunswick]]|years=2006–2010}}
{{S-aft|after=[[David Alward]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Bernard Richard]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Leader of the Opposition (New Brunswick)|Leader of the Opposition]] in the<br />[[Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick]]|years=2002–2006}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Bernard Lord]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Eric Allaby]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[caucus chair|Chair]] of the [[New Brunswick Liberal Association|Liberal]] [[caucus]]|years=1999–2002}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Marcelle Mersereau]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{S-ppo}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Bernard Richard]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[New Brunswick Liberal Association|Leader of the New Brunswick Liberals]]|years=2002–2010}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Victor Boudreau]] {{small|(interim)}}}}
{{S-end}}

{{NBPremiers}}
{{Graham Ministry}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Graham, Shawn}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the Executive Council of New Brunswick]]
[[Category:New Brunswick Liberal Association MLAs]]
[[Category:New Brunswick Liberal Association leaders]]
[[Category:Premiers of New Brunswick]]
[[Category:St. Thomas University (New Brunswick) alumni]]
[[Category:University of New Brunswick alumni]]
[[Category:People from Kent County, New Brunswick]]
[[Category:21st-century members of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick]]
[[Category:Intelligent Community Forum]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick]]