Better late than never.
Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte Liberal Brian Kalliecharan may have arrived after 11:30 p.m. on Monday night to his campaign party at 147 Restaurant on Dunlop Street East in Barrie’s downtown, but despite losing the riding to Conservative Doug Shipley, he still arrived with a smile on his face.
“This has been such an adventure. I’m so happy with the turnout and the response we got from the Barrie community,” said Kalliecharan.
“I would also like to thank Doug Shipley for running a really positive campaign,” he added.
When asked whether he believed voter reform may have altered the outcome of the election this time around, Kalliecharan wouldn’t comment on his opinion on the current voting model.
“What’s most important is that the entirety of Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte was listened to,” said Kalliecharan. “At the end of the day, that’s what matters. I believe in the democratic process.”
With the result staying neck-and-neck right up until the end, the aspiring rookie politician acknowledged the clear divide in points of view among Barrie residents.
“There is some division, also with Barrie being split between north and south,” he said. “I’ve learned about how our community is so passionate.”
When asked if he’ll ever run for political office again, Kalliecharan said he’s keeping his options open.
“Why not?” he said with a laugh.
Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte results
(200 of 204 polls reporting)
- Doug Shipley – CON — 20,155
- Brian Kalliecharan – LIB — 15,982
- Dan Janssen – NDP — 7,639
- Marty Lancaster – GRN — 6,592
- David Patterson – PPC — 924
