‘This is the beginning of a renewal of the Liberal party,’ says Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations candidate

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Despite her election loss on Monday, Joy O’Donnell said the Liberals are on the move in Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations.  

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“This is the beginning of a renewal of the Liberal party,” she told supporters gathered at The Sherwood Restaurant where she conceded defeat to Conservative incumbent Larry Brock. “We’re back and we’ll paint the town red next time. Let’s move onward.” 

The final results gave Brock 34,501 votes (52.4 per cent) and O’Donnell 27,032 votes (41.1 per cent).

NDP candidate Anna Gajerski-Cauley got 2,410 votes, followed by the Green Party’s Karleigh Csordas with 1,110; People’s Party’s Nicholas Xenos with 395; and independent candidates Mike Clancy (148), Leslie Bory (120) and Clo Marie (80).

“It’s clearly not the outcome we all hoped for,” said O’Donnell’s campaign manager Colleen Stolp, but noted the night’s impressive Liberal results “haven’t been seen here in several elections.” 

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“And we’re still full of Joy,” shouted an O’Donnell supporter. 

A business owner and first-time candidate who was encouraged to run by former Brant MP Jane Stewart, O’Donnell had a late start in the snap election.  

“Four weeks ago, we weren’t even green-lit,” she told the crowd. “In two weeks, we had the best campaign team ever.  It happens to be Volunteer Week, and the theme is Volunteers Make Waves. Man, we created a lot of waves in Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations. 

“I worked with so many people who have such positive energy. I encourage you to put that energy into the volunteer area you’re most passionate about.” 

O’Donnell, an active volunteer with many local organizations, had served as an election scrutineer and was a supporter of other local Liberal candidates but thought running for office would be something she wouldn’t consider until after retiring from her career as a financial planner.  

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But when Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, O’Donnell decided, “I can get behind this.” 

“I’m very happy,” she said of Carney’s victory over Conservative Pierre Poilievre. “He’s the right person to stand up to Trump.” 

Among O’Donnell’s supporters on Monday night was Nicole Callander, a first-time Liberal voter drawn to the party because she feels their policies are more supportive of her daughter, who has special needs.  

“I’m feeling pretty happy,” said Callander. “Three months ago, we didn’t have a chance. I think Canada’s values are showing. People are voting for people. It’s not just about taxes.”  

Bob Hunter said he was so impressed with O’Donnell’s business experience, he joined her campaign team, something he’s never done before.  

“I knocked on about 500 doors,” he said. “I feel very strongly about a Liberal win this time.” 

O’Donnell, who grew up in Caledonia and has been a resident of Brantford for the past 30 years, said she’d consider another political run.  

“I’ve got the signs now,” she said. “I’m open to it. 

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