Conservative candidate and Simcoe-Grey’s new MP, Terry Dowdall, said the support of his team has meant more to him than even winning tonight’s election.
“Tonight this win was something we accomplished together,” said Dowdall to his supporters and campaign team.
Dowdall entered his election night party at Nottawasaga Inn to the tune Best Night of My Life and applause from supporters at about 10:50 p.m. after being declared the winner in the Simcoe Grey Riding.
After a few hugs and handshakes, Dowdall delivered a speech, to celebrate his win.
“On a personal note, my dad passed away six months ago,” said Dowdall. “I wish he was here to celebrate. He would be very proud to have a Dowdall going to Ottawa.”
He thanked his team and his wife, Colleen, and two daughters Sarah and Lexi.
“I am passionate about what I believe in,” said Dowdall. “I believe in Conservative values and people getting ahead. I believe in hard work, not handouts.”
Dowdall used his passion for boating to create a metaphor for the riding.
“We’re all on one ship, or should be,” he said. “But the waters are becoming more turbulent.”
He said issues such as market instability, mental health and opioid crises have caused rough waters.
“The federal government has a responsibility to calm the waters and restore stability in the country,” said Dowdall. “We need sustainable everything.”
He encouraged people to listen to each other.
“We all have ideas,” he said.
He acknowledged MPP Jim Wilson in the crowd, and said Wilson's 28-year career was inspiring.
Finally, Dowdall told the team to “stick together”
“By the looks of things we’re going to have to do this again soon,” he said, referring to the national result of a minority Liberal government.
“Whatever government is there, I want to take care of the residents of Simcoe-Grey,” he said. “Issues that are important should be non-partisan.”
Dowdall said his team’s hard work and his focus on affordability for Canadians is what resonated with Simcoe-Grey’s voters.
“The big surprise along the campaign was the number of people - no matter what age - are having a tough time getting ahead,” said Dowdall. “There doesn’t seem to be much of a middle class anymore … people were emotionally upset as you talk them.”
Though the final count is not yet complete, Dowdall was leading by about 5,000 votes at 11:40 p.m.
