The long-drawn-out federal election campaign is over, the historic result is known, so congratulations are in order all around.
First, congratulations to the voters. Our riding, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, had a voter turnout of 73.2 per cent – up from in 64.17 per cent in 2011. Our former riding mates in Powell River (who with North Islanders elected an NDP candidate) had a 70.7 per cent turnout. Nationwide the turnout was 68.5 per cent. And those numbers don’t include voters who registered on election day or voters who left their ballots unmarked or spoiled them. So the true numbers are even higher. Not too shabby.
Congratulations to the volunteers who staffed offices, worked phones, pounded in signs and knocked on doors. All four serious campaigns in our riding were smoothly run and professional, and a lot of that speaks to the quality of the volunteers. (Anecdotally, we heard that the Greens were the nicest at the door, which perhaps explains their last-place finish.)
Next, we have to congratulate the two “sacrificial candidates” – namely the NDP’s Larry Koopman and the Green Party’s Ken Melamed. Collecting less than 20 per cent of the vote between them, both were casualties of the “Get Harper” movement that swept the country. In their election-night interviews, Larry and Ken provided keen insights into the desperation mentality that made strategic voting the winner in an election that was, ultimately, all about Harper.
Which brings us to Conservative incumbent John Weston, who deserves genuine congratulations for his hard work during two terms in office and for fighting to the last doorstep against the irreversible tide of anti-Harperism. Yes, John went on the offensive in the last weeks. He attacked his Liberal opponent’s spending habits as West Vancouver mayor and took a surprisingly “nationalist” stance on First Nations powers that struck a sour note for many. It was divisive politics, but his toolkit was limited. In the end, more than one in four still voted for him.
Finally, we get to the winner: Liberal Pamela Goldsmith-Jones. Of all the candidates, Pamela was the only one we heard repeatedly singing praises to the United Nations. On a positive note, she understands our coastal ferry system and its shortcomings. If she can bend Justin’s ear about the federal funding gap between the Atlantic and Pacific ferry systems, explain to him the marine highway concept, mention that ferries in the B.C. Interior are free – if she can do all that, maybe Justin will pick up the phone and call Christy in Victoria. Maybe he can tell her that all those NDP ridings like North Island-Powell River could go Liberal next time if the Liberals do something smart in between. With Pamela, anything might be possible.
Pamela, congratulations on your impressive win. We look forward to your good service.
