Delta has a new member of Parliament.
Liberal candidate Carla Qualtrough easily defeated Conservative cabinet minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay to capture the new riding of Delta in Monday’s federal election.
With 193 of 214 polls reporting, Qualtrough was more than 8,000 votes ahead of Findlay. The Liberal candidate had 24,846 votes for 49.3 per cent of the popular vote, while Findlay had 16,436 votes for 32.6 per cent of the vote.
Jeremy Leveque of the NDP was far back in third with 7,509 votes and 14.9 per cent of the vote, while Anthony Devellano of the Greens trailed with 1,600 votes for 3.2 per cent of the vote.
The celebration was in full swing at Qualtrough’s Scott Road campaign headquarters, the crowd buoyed by the red wave that swept Justin Trudeau’s Liberals to a majority government.
In speaking to supporters, volunteers and the media, Qualtrough promised a "new style of business" in Delta, saying she will be open and advance the issues of her constituents.
"Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow we get our Canada back."
She spoke about the desire for change in the riding.
It was a somber mood at East Delta Hall where about 100 Findlay supporters gathered to see the disappointing results and wait for the minister of national revenue to finally emerge from a back room to give her speech.
Surrounded by family members and friends on stage, including Mayor Lois Jackson, Findlay attempted to put on a brave face but was clearly shaken by what happened. She said it was an honour serving Delta and had been looking forward to serving all of Delta in the newly reconfigured riding.
"We have to understand that in a democracy it doesn't always work out the way some of us think it will. But it is, on fact, an honour to be part of this great democracy, this great country of which I'm so proud."
Findlay, who called Qualtrough and Leveque to personally congratulate them on good campaigns, also thanked her supporters and volunteers.
Leveque was gracious in defeat as he mingled with supporters and volunteers at a Scott Road pub Monday night.
"The people made their choice and I respect that choice," he said. "It's unfortunately certainly not what we hoped."
