The Tri-Cities' political landscape shifted into the red in the new Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam riding as voters threw their support behind Liberal candidate Ron McKinnon in Monday's federal election.
In a riding that saw a 67.3% voter turnout, McKinnon grabbed a 35.1% share of the pie (19,869 votes), followed closely by Conservative candidate and former Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Doug Horne (BC Liberal), who garnered 18,083 votes (31.9%).
"I wasn't expecting it but I wasn't expecting to fail either," McKinnon said as his supporters cheered him at his Shaughnessy Street campaign office Monday evening. "You go in giving it your best shot, you hope for the best and you do everything you can to make it happen."
A big part of that strategy was sticking to the Liberals' upbeat message, one that McKinnon feels resonated strongly with voters during the 11-week campaign, and staying focused on the party's platform instead of veering to digs against opposing candidates.
"We worked hard at this for a long time, we've had a strong presence in the community and I've had a presence in the community for some time," said McKinnon, who is also vice-president of the Evergreen Cultural Centre board. "We had a positive message… about what we can achieve, what we can be as Canadians and how we can fit into that grand vision as a community."
McKinnon supporters who were cheering on their candidate also spoke of his work ethic, noting he could often be found at his campaign office late into Saturday nights and always willing to speak with voters who dropped by, his passionate interest in parliamentary matters as a "policy wonk" and his deep commitment to serving the riding.
Up at the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club — celebration headquarters for Conservative candidates Horne and Tim Laidler (Port Moody-Coquitlam) — the mood was sombre, and surprised, on election night.
"Trudeau-mania swept in," Horne said of the red wave that took over the nation and the Coquitlam-PoCo riding. Resigned to federal defeat, Horne didn't rule out a return to provincial politics, saying he enjoyed representing the Coquitlam-Burke Mountain area on the B.C. stage
He also thanked the more than 100 volunteers who worked on his federal campaign, saying he was appreciative of their efforts. "Tonight is not a sad night, it's a celebratory night to thank these volunteers," Horne said among supporters that included outgoing MP James Moore, former BC Liberal MLA Iain Black, Coquitlam Coun. Dennis Marsden, PoMo Mayor Mike Clay and Anmore Mayor John McEwen, as well as Conservative Senator Yonah Martin.
Coquitlam-PoCo NDP candidate Sara Norman, a former broadcast journalist and first-time candidate, was with supporters at her PoCo campaign office as the numbers rolled in on election night and said it was a similar feeling despite being on the other side of the microphone.
"Getting the numbers… it's exciting," she said after a long last day of door-knocking with volunteers. "We did everything we could and I had an amazing team. There's been so much momentum here today and I'm really happy I could be here with so many amazing people."
Voters sent 15,463 votes (27.3%) her way, enough for a solid third-place finish. And although disappointed with the loss, Norman congratulated McKinnon on his win and expressed relief that the Conservatives were ousted.
"It really shows the last 10 years, the Harper government was not listening to people," Norman said.
For now, McKinnon is coming to grips with his new reality as MP-elect — when the new job starts, fielding calls from Ottawa property owners already seeking new political tenants and keeping his finger on the pulse of local residents.
"I'm looking forward to being able to earn the trust people have put in me."
To see more photos, visit The Tri-City News' election night picture gallery.
ELECTION RESULTS
Ron McKinnon (Liberal): 19,869 votes (35.1%)
Douglas Horne (Conservative): 18,083 votes (31.9%)
Sara Norman (NDP): 15,463 votes (27.3%)
Brad Nickason (Green Party): 2,187 votes (3.9%)
Lewis Dahlby (Libertarian): 1,014 votes (1.8%)
VOTER TURNOUT
56,616 of 84,120 registered voters (67.3%)
110,277 population
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– with files from Janis Warren
