MP Irek Kusmierczyk speaks to reporters, September 23, 2021. (Photo by Maureen Revait) MP Irek Kusmierczyk speaks to reporters, September 23, 2021. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

Kusmierczyk ready to head back to Ottawa

After a two day wait for election results, Windsor Tecumseh MP-elect Irek Kusmierczyk says he's ready to get back to work.

Kusmierczyk was declared the winner of the riding Wednesday night after mail-in votes were counted by Elections Canada.

He says he is proud of the campaign all parties ran and he is ready to work with all local MPs to bring improvements to the community.

"My commitment is to work with everyone, whether they voted for us or they didn't. This is our community. All of us down here wear the same jersey. We're all on the same home team," said Kusmierczyk.

He said the government's first priority will be ending the pandemic, but some local priorities like the Ojibway National Urban Park and attracting new automotive investments are among his top priorities.

"We're focused on bringing those jobs here. Bringing those electric vehicle manufacturing and battery manufacturing investments and jobs to this community, that is absolutely a priority. But we also heard loud and clear at the door that affordability is a critical issue," said Kusmierczyk.

Kusmierczyk's closest opponent Cheryl Hardcastle thanked her supporters through social media.

"After an incredibly close race, the results are unfortunately not in my favour - I want to give a huge thanks to all the volunteers , staff, my family and my community who took part in this campaign. Your impact reaches far beyond the ballot box. We will build on the momentum & keep fighting for better. I’m so proud to have worked with all of you," said Hardcastle in a Facebook post.

Kusmierczyk beat Hardcastle by 629 votes. Conservative Kathy Borrelli took 25.7 per cent of the vote.

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