Through gaining a majority of seats on the party's provincial executive, the Halifax group came to dominate the party, even although they were unable win a seat in the Legislature. Akerman also faced strains on his health and personal life, due to the stress of the workload he carried; he missed the 1977 session of the House because of an illness and his marriage ended in divorce.
The Halifax group's dominance over the party grew as they gained control of the provincial executive, despite not winning any seats in the Legislature. Akerman faced health issues and personal difficulties due to the demanding workload he carried; he missed a session of the House because of illness and his marriage ended in divorce.