FREDERICTON — New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has called a provincial election for Oct. 21. The Progressive Conservative premier made the announcement this morning after visiting Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy at her official residence in Fredericton.

The election will likely come down to a match between Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs with key issues including the cost of living and home prices

As New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs started his election campaign Thursday, he claimed his main rivals were already planning a power-sharing deal similar to the now-defunct one between the federal Liberals and NDP.

It's anticipated the writ period will kick off Thursday, launching a four-week campaign against a backdrop of political controversy and divisive topics.

For the first time in over a century, a New Brunswick government is campaigning to roll back civil rights and protections.

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FREDERICTON — A look at Susan Holt, leader of the Liberal Party of New Brunswick. Early years: Raised in Fredericton, she attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., and then spent a year in Toronto before moving abroad for three years, spending time in Australia and India.

A look at Blaine Higgs, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. Born: March 1, 1954. Early years: The son of a customs officer, he grew up in Forest City, N.B., near the Canada-U.