For immediate release
March 5, 2019
The Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party is pleased to announce that Alison Coffin is the new Leader of the province’s New Democrats.
Alison Coffin is an economist dedicated to advancing responsible public policy and excellence in governance.
NL NDP President Lynn Moore says Alison Coffin has a broad range of experience that will serve the NDP, and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, extremely well.
“Alison has a lot of qualities that the leaders of the other parties lack. She understands good governance, she understands economic policy, and she understands the need for us all to pull together to accomplish our goals. I am looking forward to the new direction of our Party,” Moore said.
In her remarks today to members, Alison Coffin reminded the audience that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve real accountability from their elected representatives.
“I stand here today to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. The people of the province deserve better decisions, better use of our money. No more boondoggles, no more patronage, no more secret deals. We will make government work for the families, students, seniors – for everyone committed to staying here and building a prosperous future,” said Coffin. “And in the words of Jack Layton, ‘Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.’”
The provincial party called for nominations on February 14 and closed nominations on March 1, 2019.
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Media contact:
To arrange an interview with Lynn Moore, Party President call (709) 739-6387 or e-mail news@nl.ndp.ca.
Background
Alison Coffin Biography
Alison Coffin is an economist dedicated to advancing responsible public policy and excellence in governance. In her professional life, she has developed policy and strategic plans for the provincial government, taught at Memorial University, and consulted on public policy, pension plans, and the provincial budget. She is currently Executive Officer of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association.
For several years, she also ran a successful consulting company, giving her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing small businesses, as well as the potential for small business to create jobs in the province.
A lifelong resident of the province, Alison splits her time between St. Johns, Brigus, and Spaniard’s Bay with her partner Ian. Outside of her professional career, Alison plays hockey with four local rec leagues, is an avid volunteer, and cooks for friends, family, and a football league. She has competed provincially and/or nationally in ice hockey, ball hockey, football, triathlons, bodybuilding, and softball.
Her most recent professional publication, “Taking Politics out of Governance,” included in The Democracy Cookbook (eds. Alex Marland and Lisa Moore) outlines straightforward suggestions for better provincial budgeting, spending, and planning.
Alison ran for the NL NDP in the 2015 provincial election and for the provincial party leadership last April. She is a former Associate President of the provincial party.