Conservative Jonathan Rowe wins Terra Nova-The Peninsulas following recount
Conservative candidate Jonathan Rowe has emerged victorious in the Newfoundland district of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas after a judicial recount, defeating Liberal Anthony Germain by a mere 12 votes. The initial count on election night had Germain ahead by the same margin, but the recount revealed Rowe as the winner with a total of 19,605 votes to Germain’s 19,593, according to Elections Canada.
In a statement to CBC News, Rowe expressed his gratitude for the slim margin of victory, stating, “Twelve votes. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough. And we’re thankful for it. It’s certainly exciting.” This win gives the Conservatives their third seat in Newfoundland and Labrador, bringing their national seat count to 144 and maintaining the Liberal party’s minority government status with 169 seats.
Despite the excitement of his win, Rowe acknowledges the challenges ahead and the need to prioritize the interests of his constituents in a district heavily reliant on natural resources. He emphasized the importance of holding the Liberal government accountable and ensuring the well-being of local workers in the industry.
The recount process, overseen by Supreme Court Justice Garrett Handrigan, was prolonged due to an unprecedented 1,041 ballots that needed to be reviewed. This delay was further exacerbated by the closure of public buildings in Marystown for a scheduled water shutoff. However, the ballots were securely stored during the interruption.
Following his victory, Rowe is set to travel to Ottawa to begin his parliamentary duties, leaving behind his career as an engineer. He expressed his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and advocating for their interests in the Canadian parliament.
In a gracious response, Germain congratulated Rowe on his win, expressing his gratitude to his supporters and volunteers. He affirmed his dedication to working towards improving the community despite the election outcome.
Rowe, in turn, extended his well wishes to Germain, recognizing their shared experience of waiting anxiously for the election result. He hinted at a possible rematch in the future, highlighting the unpredictable nature of politics.
As Rowe prepares to embark on his new role as MP for Terra Nova-The Peninsulas, he remains focused on serving his constituents and fulfilling his responsibilities in Ottawa. His journey from a narrow defeat to a triumphant victory underscores the unpredictable and challenging nature of electoral politics.
