Alison Coffin
Alison Coffin is a Canadian politician, who is currently the leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party. 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. For several years, she also ran a successful consulting company.
Coffin was born in Corner Brook and was raised in Joe Batt's Arm along with two brothers. Presently, Coffin splits her time between St. John's, Brigus, and Spaniard's Bay with her partner Ian Coombs.
Professionally, Coffin is an economist and university professor. Her most recent professional publication, "Taking Politics out of Governance", included in The Democracy Cookbook, outlines straightforward suggestions for better provincial budgeting, spending, and planning.
Coffin ran for the NL NDP in the 2015 provincial election in Waterford Valley. She entered the provincial party leadership election in April 2018, losing to Gerry Rogers. After Rogers resigned, she was elected unopposed in March 2019. Coffin is a former associate president of the provincial party.
Coffin led the party into the 2019 provincial election; despite only nominating 14 candidates the party won 3 seats. Coffin won St. John's East-Quidi Vidi holding it for the NDP, while the party led St. John's Centre, and won an upset in Labrador West.
