McColeman celebrates fourth election win

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Phil McColeman is heading back to Ottawa after being decisively re-elected Monday.

“We did it, Brantford-Brant – four times!” the Conservative told a crowd of supporters gathered at the Polish Hall on Pearl Street. “It’s fantastic.”

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McColeman, who has represented the riding since 2008, had an early lead as the first poll results trickled in and his closest competitor, Liberal Danielle Takacs, was never able to catch up.

But McColeman said the win was bittersweet, with his party losing federally to the Liberals. He said he was buoyed by good work done by the Conservatives over the past term and felt the party was strong enough “to really challenge” Justin Trudeau.

McColeman was particularly emotional about the defeat of “one of my closest friends,” prominent Conservative Lisa Raitt, a candidate in Milton who has most recently served as the party’s deputy leader.

“I had hoped for a better result nationally,” he said. “But we have gained (seats). We’ve held the Liberals to a minority tonight. That’s a big achievement. We are going to be strengthened and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

McColeman, flanked by his wife Nancy and his election team, thanked those volunteers gathered at his victory party who have knocked on doors, made phone calls and put up lawn signs since the campaign began 40 days ago. On election day alone, said McColeman, 135 volunteers were canvassing neighbourhoods until 6 p.m. making sure Conservative supporters got out to vote.

He particularly thanked Nancy, calling her his strength and backbone. McColeman, 64, said the decision to seek re-election wasn’t easy as he and his wife considered retirement. The McColemans have a developmentally-challenged adult son who requires constant care.

“Nancy is the caregiver to our son 24-7. When I’m in Ottawa she carries the load.”

But McColeman said his son Jordan also “has three other moms” in his older sisters, all of them “exceptional women.”

“All of this wouldn’t be possible without their support,” he said.

It has been more than a year since McColeman announced his intention to seek a fourth term as MP. He and his band of supporters hit the campaign trail in early July, walking neighbourhoods and talking to constituents.

“The future of this community is great,” he said. “It’s booming and will continue to boom.”

McColeman said one of his top priorities for the riding is improved health care. He plans to take to Ottawa the community’s effort to get a new hospital.

“I’ve been asked to play a larger role and I’m so eager to do that.”