In an overwhelming performance that began with a sweep of Atlantic Canada and was maintained, despite lukewarm support in British Columbia, the Liberal Party and leader Justin Trudeau were swept into office with a majority government Monday night.
However, the national support for the Liberals appeared to translate into votes in both West Shore ridings.
David Merner finished a strong second in the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding, while Luke Krayenhoff ran neck-and-neck with Conservative Martin Barker for second in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.
Krayenhoff, a late replacement following the resignation of Maria Manna, gave kudos to winner Alistair MacGregor of the NDP. Krayenhoff noted, however, the Liberals made an impact.
“The Liberals have made a strong showing in this riding,” he said. “We’ve got everything to be proud of.” Of his party’s national accomplishment, he added, “We had no idea it would be such a strong success. We’re just over the moon.”
Among the changes he said the Liberals plan on implementing is a change from the first-past-the-post system that this time saw the Liberals declared to form the next government before the polls in B.C. even closed.
“We’re going to look at all options, but we want one where people can vote on principle, more than voting so strategic all the time.”
editor@goldstreamgazette.com