Is the race narrowing in Poilievre’s own riding? Here’s what residents think
As reports surface indicating a neck-and-neck race in Pierre Poilievre’s Ottawa-area riding, both Liberal and Conservative supporters are optimistic about their candidate’s chances of victory. Bruce Fanjoy, the Liberal candidate, has garnered significant support from his followers who believe he has a shot at unseating the long-standing Conservative leader in Carleton.
On the other hand, supporters of Pierre Poilievre are confident that he will retain his seat, which he has held since 2004. Despite their confidence, recent reports from The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star suggest that the Conservatives are dispatching a team of staffers to the riding to assist Poilievre in what some Ontario Progressive Conservative Party insiders anticipate could be a tighter race than expected.
Bob and June Neske, a retired military couple from west Ottawa, have thrown their support behind Fanjoy, citing his amiable personality and community involvement. The couple, who have historically voted Conservative, expressed their disillusionment with Poilievre, particularly pointing to his support for the controversial convoy protest in 2022.
In contrast, Mike Medeiros, a Conservative voter and co-owner of Carleton Mushroom Farms, remains unworried about the reported close race. He emphasized the support Poilievre has shown for the local community and expressed confidence in conservative voters rallying behind their long-time candidate.
Despite differing opinions among supporters, advanced polls in Carleton saw a significant turnout, with nearly 44,000 votes cast, representing over 40% of eligible voters. The riding also features NDP candidate Beth Prokaska and Green Party candidate Mark Watson, adding to the diversity of choices for constituents.
As the election day approaches, both Fanjoy and Poilievre continue to campaign vigorously, with Fanjoy asserting that the race is winnable and Poilievre adding a rally in Carleton to his schedule. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, with supporters from both camps eagerly anticipating the results on election night.
