Voters in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex have spoken and Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario candidate Steve Pinsonneault has been elected as their new Member of Provincial Parliament.
"I'm looking forward to getting to work," said Pinsonneault. "I want to bring my municipal experience to Queen's Park. I'm looking forward to enhancing the skilled trades sector, as you know I am a skilled tradesman. I am looking forward to getting there, rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."
Pinsonneault, who has served as a municipal councillor in Chatham-Kent for the past 17 years, collected 56.85 per cent (15,649 votes) of the vote. His closest contender, Liberal candidate Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, collected 22.55 per cent (6,208 votes) of the vote.
When asked about the biggest issue in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Pinsonneault highlighted concerns around the cost of living. He said the carbon tax really upset the majority of people in the riding.
"That last 23 per cent hike on the carbon tax has really upset the people," said Pinsonneault. "Gasoline went up, groceries went up, it's going to cost people more to heat their houses. They're upset. The Liberals don't understand how this is affecting rural Ontario."
Pending official results, Pinsonneault will take over the seat after his predecessor, former PC Cabinet Minister Monte McNaughton.
The Southwestern Ontario riding was held by McNaughton, who resigned last October to take a job in the private sector, since 2011.
"I will bring my constituents voice forward, I will return their calls, and I will continue to help people with their issues, but at a higher level," said Pinsonneault."
Voter turnout was low in the byelection as just 30.25 per cent of the 90,993 people who were eligible to cast a ballot actually voted.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex byelection results:
Steve Pinsonneault (PCP) - 15,549 (56.85%)
Cathy Burghardt-Jesson (LIB) - 6,208 (22.55%)
Kathryn Shailer (NDP) - 2,973 (10.80%)
Keith Benn (New Blue Party) - 1,513 (5.50%)
Andraena Tilgner (Green Party of Ontario) - 429 (1.56%)
Stephen R. Campbell (None of the Above Direct Democracy Party) - 360 (1.31%)
Cynthia Workman (ONP) - 310 (1.13%)
Hilda Walton (FRP) - 87 (0.32%)