Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn will be the new MP for the North Island-Powell River riding.
Following the federal election on April 28, Gunn took top spot in the polls with 31,356 votes.
NDP candidate Tanille Johnston came in second place with 26,357 votes, while Liberal candidate Jennifer Lash is in third with 21,045 votes. Green Party's Jessica Wegg received 1,558 votes, followed by Paul Macknight from the People's Party of Canada with 341 votes, and Independent candidate Glen Staples with 156 votes.
Black Press Media was asked to leave Gunn's election party at the Anchor Inn in Campbell River after being told it was not "approved media," however, other regional media members were allowed to remain at the event.
During a watch party at More Eatery in Campbell River on Monday night, Johnston thanked her supporters and volunteers as the results rolled in. Although she started off with a strong lead in the polls, Gunn ended up taking over and stayed ahead for the rest of the night.
"I'm not going anywhere," Johnston told the crowd of supporters. "If ( ... Gunn) takes off to Ottawa and never comes back, that is fine by me. I'm not going anywhere. I will be here fighting hard every day to make sure that our Indigenous people feel protected, that our LGBTQIA feel protected, and that women's right to choose is protected."
Lash noted she focused on a campaign of "hope over fear, and we really focused on unity over division. We stayed true to what we thought was the right campaign to run for this riding, and the way that we want this riding to exist. We want a riding that is unified, that is focused on what we can work towards, and not be driven by fear or rage."
"I'm really proud of my campaign. I think we did a great job," said Green Party candidate Wegg. "'And really grateful for all the people who helped me out ... and thanks to everyone who turned out to vote."
The Record reached out to Staples and Macknight for comment but did not hear back.
