By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Conservative incumbent Diane Finley will continue serving for her sixth term as Haldimand Norfolk’s elected MP after a decisive win on Monday night. Finley managed to collect 46.8% of the total vote, with 27,298 people voting Conservative across the region.
“The results nationally aren’t quite what we hoped for, but we are up almost 20 seats from where we were last spring. That’s a good showing,” said Finley to her supporters in a speech at her campaign headquarters following the results. “Let’s take this as an omen that after this short minority government, there will be a Conservative government next time.”
Liberal candidate Kim Huffman had a strong showing at the polls as well, registering 14,285 votes for a total of 24.5%. “I’m disappointed that I will not have a seat at the table with another Liberal government,” said Huffman. “We missed an opportunity to have someone who would have been an engaged and energized voice for the community.”
Despite her loss, Huffman was encouraged by the overall results of the election and intends to run again in the future: “I’m thrilled. That is the positive thing I can take away from tonight is that our country came together and we definitely chose forward.”
Both Huffman and NDP candidate Adrienne Roberts made appearances shortly after the results were announced on October 21, 2019 to offer their congratulations. “We’re going to disagree, but we have a good working relationship and that is important and that’s how you move things forward as well,” said Roberts in an interview outside the Conservative campaign headquarters.
Roberts came in third, with 15.4% and a total vote count of 8,995. “We’re really happy with the results. We’re happy with the feedback we received. I’ve had so many stories shared with me that I appreciate. My heart is too full for words in many ways with everything people have given me. It re-energizes us and makes us want to do more and build on this momentum.”
When asked what’s next for her, Roberts gave perhaps the most honest answer of the evening: “Sleeping.”
Green Party candidate Brooke Martin also made an impact, taking in 4,705 votes and 8.1% of the total vote. In a phone interview, she pledged her commitment to run again in the next provincial election. She was followed by PPC candidate Bob Forbes with 1,228 votes (2.1%), VCP candidate Harold Stewart with 1,059 votes (1.8%), and CHP candidate Lily Eggink with 802 votes (1.4%).
Nationally, the Liberals held on, but slipped to minority status with 157 seats total, and a vote share of 33.1%. The Conservatives climbed to 121 seats and led the Liberals with a vote share of 34.4% for the popular vote. The Bloc Quebecois won 32 seats, the NDP 24, and the Green Party 3 spots. The federal voter turnout was 64% in Haldimand, which is below the federal average of 66%. (a decrease from 2015’s 68% turnout).
“A year ago people laughed at me when I predicted a minority government this time around because they thought Justin Trudeau would be an automatic majority,” said Finley. “But having watched how he worked and understanding how so many Canadians were feeling about what he was doing and the way he was doing it, this was almost inevitable. And it’s a good thing.”
Locally, Finley has big plans in store. She specifically mentioned closing the loophole for the designated grower program (cannabis) and addressing the need for infrastructure funding for upcoming projects across the region, including the new community hub in Simcoe and the water systems across Haldimand.
“The role of an opposition member in a minority is to really push. You get more doors open to you, and the government is more willing to listen when they’re in a minority,” said Finley. “It’s also very, very hard work because whatever you’re planning to do, you pretty much have to have two alternatives.”
In closing, Finley extended her appreciation to the community that has supported her through five terms leading into her sixth tenure: “I want to send out a heartfelt thank you for the confidence they have placed in me yet again. It is very humbling, and such an incredible honour.”
How Haldimand Voted
Diane Finley – Conservative
27,298 votes (46.8%)
Kim Huffman – Liberal
14,285 votes (24.5%)
Adrienne Roberts – NPD
8,995 votes (15.4%)
Brooke Martin – Green
4,705 votes (8.1%)
Bob Forbes – People’s Party
1,228 (2.1%)
Harold Stewart – Veterans Coalition
1,059 votes (1.8%)
Lily Eggink – Christian Heritage
802 votes (1.4%)
Total votes 58,372 (64.08% voter turnout)
