In anticipation of New Brunswick’s 2024 provincial election, CHCO-TV has provided in-depth coverage by inviting the leaders of parties with candidates running in the St. Croix riding to participate in one-on-one interviews on Southwest Magazine, one of the local TV station's most popular 30-minutes shows. 

Vicki Hogarth – Local Journalism Initiative

This special election series gave Progressive Conservative leader Blaine Higgs, Liberal leader Susan Holt, Green Party leader David Coon, NDP leader Alex White, and People’s Alliance leader Rick DeSaulniers the opportunity to discuss their party platforms, key policies, and vision for the province directly with voters. Each leader visited the CHCO studio for a sit-down to give viewers an insider perspective on their approach to issues affecting the people of St. Croix and New Brunswick as a whole. Each leader was given the same amount of time to answer the same set of questions. For the final seven minutes of the each episode, each leader was joined by his or her respective candidate for St. Croix to answer another set of questions relating more specifically to the riding.

Libertarian leader Keith Tays and St. Croix Libertarian candidate Krysten Mitchell were the only invitees unable to attend due to Mitchell's scheduling conflicts. The extensive interview series offers voters a valuable resource to those seeking to make an informed decision at the polls. 

As New Brunswick prepares for its 2024 provincial election, key issues are expected to shape voters’ decisions, including healthcare accessibility, housing affordability, and climate action—particularly as regions like Charlotte County experience firsthand the effects of extreme weather. The election comes at a time of heightened political awareness, as communities seek solutions to rural economic challenges and infrastructure needs. Voter turnout is anticipated to be a focal point. This election marks a critical moment for New Brunswick, as it weighs its priorities and chooses a path forward for the next legislative term.