By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Fifteen minutes after the polls closed May 2, it was clear Steve Pinsonneault was on his way to a landslide victory.
The veteran Chatham-Kent councillor is heading to the Ontario Legislature as Lambton-Kent-Middlesex’s new Member of Provincial Parliament.
It was a sweep for the Progressive Conservative candidate, ensuring the riding will remain Tory blue. Pinsonneault claimed 56.85 per cent of the vote in the by-election, garnering 15,649 ballots as he eclipsed second place Liberal hopeful Cathy Burghardt-Jesson by more than 9,000 votes.
Early numbers from Elections Ontario indicate just 30.3 per cent of eligible voters in L-K-M, or 27,529 people, cast a ballot in the by-election.
A smiling Pinsonneault said he’s pumped about heading to Queen’s Park.
“I want to bring my municipal experience there,” the Thamesville resident said. “I’m overwhelmed tonight…I never dreamed the margin would be that big on the win and it just shows that the riding believes in me and I won’t let them down.”
When asked if he will be able to cross the rural-urban divide, Pinsonneault said he’s been dealing with the issue for the entirety of the 17 years he has represented East Kent and he’s certain he’ll be able to share the views of all constituents.
Long-time L-K-M MPP Monte McNaughton, whose decision to step away from politics last fall triggered the by-election, was the first to welcome Pinsonneault at the Dawn-Euphemia Community Centre in Florence where the party faithful gathered election night.
“I’m here tonight to officially pass the torch to our next MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex,” McNaughton said as he introduced Pinsonneault to loud applause. “I don’t have to tell anyone in this room, but we have elected an outstanding person to take our concerns for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex to Queen’s Park to be our voice in the government.”
In his victory speech, Pinsonneault thanked McNaughton for his mentorship and for what he had done for the riding.
“I hope to build on your legacy,” he said.
Unofficial Election Ontario results: Burghardt-Jesson, 6,208 votes; NDP candidate Kathryn Shailer, 2,973 votes; New Blue candidate Keith Benn, 1,513 votes; Green Party candidate Andraena Tilgner, 429 votes; None of the Above Direct Democracy Party candidate Stephen Campbell, 360 votes; Ontario Party candidate Cynthia Workman, 310 votes; and Family Rights candidate Hilda Walton, 87 votes.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, who travelled to Florence to offer congratulations, said Pinsonneault’s win is going to be “fantastic” for the municipality.
“We’ve got somebody born and raised in Chatham-Kent now as an MPP,” the mayor said. “He’s got amazing experience. He knows all about politics. I’m looking forward to him representing Chatham-Kent very well.”
It will now be up to council to decide on how to fill Pinsonneault’s chair. Canniff said council can hold a municipal by-election or appoint the third runner up from the 2022 election. If council goes with the latter, Morena McDonald will be the next municipal councillor for East Kent.
