- September 29, 2005 - Hamm announces his retirement, effective upon the election of a new leader.
- October 15, 2005 - The PC Party announces that the leadership vote will be held on February 11, 2006 with a delegated convention as opposed to the one member one vote system used in the previous race.
- October 26, 2005 - Bill Black becomes the first candidate to officially enter the race.
- October 28, 2005 - Neil LeBlanc becomes the second candidate to officially enter the race.
- November 4, 2005 - Rodney MacDonald becomes the third candidate to officially enter the race.
- December 27, 2005 - Membership cutoff date.
- January 7, 2006 - Delegate selection period begins.
- February 11, 2006 - Leadership convention held in Halifax. Rodney MacDonald wins on 2nd ballot with support from Neil LeBlanc.
- February 24, 2006 - MacDonald sworn in as 32nd Premier of Nova Scotia.
The following individuals were the subject of media speculation about running or themselves indicated they were considering a run but eventually opted against.
- Michael Baker, minister of Justice and MLA for Lunenburg
- Jamie Baillie, former Chief of Staff to Premier Hamm.
- Cecil Clarke, minister of Energy and MLA for Cape Breton North
- Ernie Fage, minister of Economic Development and MLA for Cumberland North
- Richard Hurlburt, minister of Natural Resources and MLA for Yarmouth
- Peter Kelly, mayor of Halifax
- Peter MacKay, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and MP for Central Nova
- Kerry Morash, minister of Environment and Labour and MLA for Queens
- Jane Purves, former minister of Education, Chief of Staff to Premier Hamm
- Judy Streatch, MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's
The first ballot was close, with just 59 votes separating the first and last place candidates.
LeBlanc eliminated, supports MacDonald.
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Second Ballot
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Candidate
|
Votes
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Perc.
|
|
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Rodney MacDonald
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1,263
|
59.29%
|
|
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Bill Black
|
855
|
40.14%
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|
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Spoiled Ballots
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12
|
0.67%
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|
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Totals
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2,130
|
100%
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