Paul Vickers has been elected the new MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
Vickers, the Progressive Conservative candidate, cruised to an easy win on election night jumping out to an early lead that held throughout the evening.
With his election victory in place, Vickers will take over as MPP from Rick Byers, who served a single term in the role.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound has been in the Progressive Conservative column since 1990. Vickers will now follow in the footsteps of previous PC MPPs, Byers, Bill Walker and the late Bill Murdoch.
Vickers spent election night at his campaign headquarters at the Heritage Mall in Owen Sound. As results poured in, he mingled with supporters throughout the night.
“We felt good, it felt good at the door. It felt good throughout the campaign,” Vickers said when speaking to reporters while results were being reported. “I’m happy the way the support has been for the next government.”
The election was declared a majority government for Doug Ford just 15 minutes after polls closed. Vickers was named the winner in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound not long after the Ford declaration.
Vickers said he was thrilled to continue the PC tradition in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. He said it was a huge motivation for him to work hard to keep the riding blue.
“I certainly didn’t want to be the person who didn’t hold the riding,” Vickers said, adding that he has learned a lot from Murdoch, Walker and Byers. “It was all about getting something done. Don’t just sit there and take up a seat - let’s move the needle. Let’s get something done. Let’s bring dollars into the riding for new schools and new hospitals.”
Running in his first provincial election, Vickers admitted he was nervous and was relieved when he saw the strong support he received.
“It was a lot of hard work for everyone and we got the job done,” he said.
Vickers, a former member of Meaford council, will be an MPP in Doug Ford’s new majority government. Ford, who gambled on an election call - just two and a half years after the last provincial election - cruised to a quick win, easily surpassing the 63 seats required for a majority government.
Vickers said he is excited to start the job of MPP at Queen’s Park.
“I really look forward to doing what’s right for the riding,” he said.
He also thanked all of his supporters and campaign volunteers for their hard work. Vickers was named the PC candidate on Jan. 18 and went straight into the election after winning the nomination race.
“It’s not something I’ve done myself. (My team) are the ones that helped me get through. That makes it special,” he said.