Tory Win No Surprise For Locals

President Glen Grant

Terri Saunders
Standard Freeholder
March 18, 2005

The leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario will bring the people's agenda to Queen's Park, a local Tory said Thursday.

"I think his (John Tory) agenda appeals to the people -- it's their agenda," said Glen Grant, president of the Stormont, Dundas and Charlottenburgh PC Riding Association.

"It's not really about which party he belongs to; it's about the fact he's concerned about all the residents of Ontario."

Tory easily took the riding of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey northwest of Toronto in a byelection Thursday. The man who will now face off against Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty in the legislature nabbed more than 56 per cent of the vote in a race with seven other candidates.

"I'm not surprised," Grant said when told of the wide margin by which Tory was elected. "I am very excited to see John win this seat because he has shown sincerity and concern for the citizens of Ontario, and he's got his finger on the pulse of this province."

Vice President Joel Cote

Joel Cote is vice-president of the local riding association. He says although he didn't initially support Tory during the leadership race last September, he's since become a convert.

THE RIGHT PERSON

"He has impressed me in the days since he took the helm of this party," said Cote.

"I think he's the right person to lead this party to 2007 and beyond."

In two and one-half year's time, voters will find themselves returning to the polls to elect a government, as a four-year Liberal mandate draws to a close. Cote says the disillusionment felt by many voters in the days and weeks following the October 2003 election will translate into more Conservative votes being cast next time around.

"I think that sentiment will hold," he said.

"In the months since the Liberal government was elected, there has been a rash of broken promises which people won't forget, and it's something that's continuing day to day even now."

When the dust of this byelection clears, Tory will take his seat across the floor from McGuinty, a position Cote believes must be filled.

"It's essential to see the leaders of all parties in the legislature," he said. "It's important for good government."