PCs increase their riding count in Cape Breton

The Progressive Conservatives have strengthened their hold on Cape Breton’s ridings in the recent election, gaining one additional seat. In the previous provincial election in 2021, the Progressive Conservatives secured five out of Cape Breton’s eight seats, with the Liberals winning two and the NDP securing one. This time around, the PCs were poised to win in six ridings, with NDP incumbent Kendra Coombes retaining her seat in Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier, and Liberal Derek Mombourquette leading in Sydney-Membertou.

In Northside-Westmount, Progressive Conservative Fred Tilley successfully retained his seat after crossing the floor to join the PC party from the Liberals. Tilley emphasized his commitment to serving his constituents regardless of political affiliation. The NDP fielded Katelyn Armstrong in this riding.

The Victoria-The Lakes riding saw Dianne Timmins, a new candidate for the PCs, emerging victorious amidst a crowded field of candidates. The Inverness riding continued its trend of electing Progressive Conservatives, with Kyle MacQuarrie winning the seat in this election.

Richmond, one of four protected ridings aimed at increasing Acadian representation, saw Progressive Conservative Trevor Boudreau retaining his seat. Boudreau highlighted key concerns such as health care, housing, affordability, cellphone coverage, and roads as priorities for the region. The NDP candidate in this riding was Marc Currie, while the Liberals ran Rochelle Heudes.

In Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier, NDP candidate Kendra Coombes secured victory and expressed her commitment to addressing issues of affordability, health care, housing, and coastline protection. Coombes will be part of the Official Opposition in the legislature. The Cape Breton East riding saw Brian Comer re-elected for the Progressive Conservatives, while Glace Bay-Dominion re-elected PC incumbent John White.

In Sydney-Membertou, Liberal Derek Mombourquette maintained his lead over Progressive Conservative Brian MacArthur. The NDP candidate in this riding was lawyer Alison Aho, while the Greens fielded IT professional Steven McGrath.

Overall, the Progressive Conservatives have increased their presence in Cape Breton’s ridings, solidifying their position in the region’s political landscape. The election results reflect a mix of party representation, with candidates from various backgrounds vying for the opportunity to serve their communities.