As the count in Canada’s 44th general election continues, the race in Parry Sound-Muskoka has already been declared.
Incumbent candidate Scott Aitchison jumped to an early lead, and several sources have now declared him the winner for this riding. Nationally, a minority Liberal government has been projected.
“I’m fairly disappointed that the Liberals look like they may win a minority government again here but I’m obviously pleased and honoured to have the faith of people in Parry Sound-Muskoka put in me again and also I guess a little humble because there’s work to be done. There are real problems and I’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Aitchison.
Asked where he’d start, he said housing has got to be the number one issue. He criticized the Liberals for making lofty promises but not delivering much. “The biggest problem I see is that they continue to make the promises but they don’t deliver in rural Canada.”
Aitchison said he’s hoping the Liberals will start listening a little more now that they didn’t get the result they thought they deserved. “Maybe they’ll start listening a little more and partnering with municipalities in the rural communities… organizations, there are so many groups trying to solve this problem and we just haven’t had a federal partner and so that’s a big one for me.”
(Updated 12:30 a.m., Sept, 21, 2021) With 231 of 234 polls reporting in Parry Sound-Muskoka, here’s how the votes shook out:
Scott Aitchison, Conservative: 24,474 (48 per cent)
Jovanie Nicoyishakiye, Liberal: 11,010 (21 per cent)
Heather Hay, NDP: 8,675 (17 per cent)
James Tole, People’s Party of Canada: 3,962 (eight per cent)
Marc Mantha, Green: 2,840 (six per cent)
Daniel Predie Jr., independent: 195 (0.0 per cent)
James Fawcett, National Citizens Alliance of Canada: 93 (0.0 per cent)
In the 2019 election, Aitchison won by a margin of just over 11 per cent:
Scott Aitchison, Conservative: 22,845 (41.79 per cent)
Trisha Cowie, Liberal: 16,615 (30.40 per cent)
Gord Miller, Green: 8,409 (15.38 per cent)
Tom Young, NDP: 6,417 (11.74 per cent)
Daniel Predie Jr, independent: 377 (0.69 per cent)
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Dale Hajas says
Congratulations Scott!
I’m a Liberal who had no expectation other than Conservative for this riding this time.
But I admire Scott’s approach, that despite the fact that he likely didn’t have to leave his house though this campaign, he was everywhere. I consider that to be a humble and respectful to his constituents and the other party hopefuls.
I wasn’t happy with an election being called but maybe we could look at the federal result as a fairly strong mandate to stay the course.
Plus, in the really good news column is that the PPC didn’t win any seats including Bernier’s own riding. I’ve been anxious that we were moving toward a more ‘American-like’ ideology and thankfully- at least for now – my fears have been unfounded.
Gloria Schimmel says
Congrats to Scott on his win and running a clean campaign. In reviewing the results, however, I am amazed that a candidate who does not own property in Parry Sound Muskoka or showed up to campaign, participate in any debate or even respond to a quiz submitted by the media, could earn 21 % of the Vote! I am stunned.
Bryan Schenk says
I like Scott but the problem with having our MP a member of a major party is that when it comes to a difficult vote, for instance climate change, he will always have to vote the way his party whip tells him to vote, rather than how his constituents would like him to vote, or for that matter how he would personally want to vote. That’s just the way the system works.
Eric McHugh says
I’ve worked with Scott in the private sector and know he gives it his all. Congratulations Scott.