The Liberal Party’s anticipated landslide failed to materialize on election night. Mark Carney has been elected Prime Minister of Canada, but up until this afternoon it was not clear that he will form a majority or minority government.
Fair Vote Canada described the results of this election as a ‘tsunami of strategic voting.’
On Vancouver Island
Green Party leader Elizabeth May was re-elected in Saanich–Gulf Islands and is now her party’s only remaining Member of Parliament.
Two days ago, the NDP held six ridings on Vancouver Island; after election night, only Courtenay–Alberni remains in NDP hands.
The expected Conservative surge on the islands was weaker than what the projections had suggested. They only captured three ridings from the NDP: North Island–Powell River, Nanaimo–Ladysmith, and Cowichan–Malahat–Langford.
The Liberals won the NDP’s old southern Vancouver Island seats in Esquimalt–Saanich–Sooke and Victoria.
North Island-Powell River
In North Island–Powell River, Conservative Aaron Gunn won with 31,356 votes (38.8%).
Earlier in the day, Gunn posted a message on social media asking voters for their support, promising to “fight for you, no matter what” and to “always have your back.”
This statement will undoubtedly spark criticisms from opponents, who have pointed out he did not show up for any of the riding’s six all candidate meetings – one of which was cancelled due to concerns about anti-Gunn protests.
The ‘anti-Conservative vote’ was primarily split between two parties.
The NDP have held this riding since 2015 and Tanille Johnson finished second with 26,357 votes (32.6%). She has not responded to Cortes Currents request for comment.
The Liberals have campaigned in this area since 1874, but have not won an election since 1974. Jennifer Lash – a senior analyst with Environment Canada who attracted four government staffers to her campaign staff – received 21,045 votes (26%).
She released a press statement stating, “We are in good hands with Mark Carney at the helm. He has a bold vision for Canada and I am confident that North Island – Powell River will benefit from his leadership.”
“I’m proud of the campaign we ran. We ran on a commitment to defend, build, and care for the people and businesses in this riding. We focused on hope over fear, which I believe is the right way to run a campaign. It is important to recognize the historic progress we’ve made towards giving this riding a real voice in government.”
“The Liberal Party has not seen results like this in North Island-Powell River in a decade. (Peter Schwarzhoff came within half a percentage point of second place in North Island Powell River during 2015 – editor) This is a turning point. In the next election, we will be even stronger, and we will be well-positioned to win this riding.”
“The momentum is only beginning.”
“Aaron Gunn ran a private campaign that did not account for every community in NIPR. Now, as an MP, he will have to represent the many. I encourage everyone to work constructively with him, while being true to the diverse, inclusive, caring fabric of this riding. Most importantly, I hope we can work constructively with one another to heal this community.”
“A huge thank you goes out to my incredible team, volunteers, voters, and, most importantly, my family. Your unwavering belief in me carried me through all the ups and downs of this federal election.”
We will be back.”
Green Party candidate Jessica Wegg received 1,558 votes (1.9%).
She emailed, “My prediction for this election has come true – it happened, and April 29th has arrived. Those of you reading this who may, like me, have wished for a different result in our riding – we have to turn those wishes into actions. Don’t stop showing up for the things you believe in. Don’t fall for the trap of polarized politics – keep talking, keep caring, stay involved. Today the work begins.”
The few remaining votes in North Island-Powell River were split between People’s Party candidate Paul Macknight (341 votes), and Independent Glen Staples (156 votes).
The National Picture
Nationwide, the NDP’s seat count fell sharply from 25 to 7. Party leader Jagmeet Singh was among those who lost their seats, and subsequently resigned.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also lost his seat but intends to remain as party leader. The Conservatives were elected in 143 ridings.
In Nepean, Ontario, Prime Minister Mark Carney received 63.8% of the vote. Carney, a former central banker, had not previously run for political office.
The Liberals were elected in 169 ridings and may need to negotiate a coalition with the NDP (7 seats) to secure a working majority.
Top image credit: Aaron Gunn and Mark Carney – as pictured on their respective campaign websites.
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