It was a big night for Liberals in the Thunder Bay region.
The Liberals held off strong showings by both the NDP and Conservatives to win both area ridings, and will be part of a Liberal minority government.
Justin Trudeau’s party needed 170 seats to win another majority, but fell just short of that number thanks to a strong showing by the Bloc in Quebec.
In Thunder Bay – Superior North, Liberal incumbent Patty Hajdu got an early birthday present as she won her seat she first captured in 2015. Hajdu, who turns 53 in a couple weeks, played an important role in cabinet including her most recent posting as Labour Minister. Former City Councillor Frank Pullia had a strong showing for the Conservatives, garnering over 10,000 votes.
Thunder Bay Superior North
NDP: Anna Betty Achneepineskum
Liberal: Patty Hajdu E
Green: Bruce Hyer
PPC: Youssef Khanjari
Conservative: Frank Pullia
Libertarian: Alexander Vodden
8,969
17,982
3,505
725
10,861
136
202/203 polls reporting
Results for Thunder Bay – Rainy River were delayed because of a mix up with advertised voting hours. Liberal newcomer Marcus Powlowski, an ER Doctor, has been declared the winner but both NDP candidate Yuk-Sem Won and former City Councillor Linda Rydholm gave him a run for his money. Powlowski wins the seat vacated by Liberal Don Rusnak, who stepped down to spend more time with his family.
Thunder Bay Rainy River
PPC: Andrew Hartnell
Green: Amanda Moddejonge
Liberal: Marcus Powlowski E
Conservative: Linda Rydholm
NDP: Yuk-Sem Won
730
1,783
14,336
11,984
11,708
194/ 195 polls reporting
A number of big names in Canadian politics failed to win a seat in the House of Commons including People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier. Conservative Lisa Raitt lost her seat in Milton and long time Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale was beaten in his prairie riding. The Conservatives Eric Melillo won a close three way race in Kenora defeating Liberal incumbent Bob Nault.
