Portage-Lisgar post-by-election celebrations took place Monday night at Branden Leslie's office in Portage la Prairie. Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, introduced Leslie to cheering supporters.
Having won the Portage-Lisgar seat in the House of Commons by a significant margin, supporters, including his fiance, mother and father, Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Dan Mazier, and the Conservative Candidate for Portage la Prairie MLA, Jeff Bereza, heard him extend thanks to everyone present, noting how many great people are required to win successfully win such an election.
Following his speech, Leslie shared his reaction to the good news last night, and what specifically overwhelmed him.
"I'm going to be getting married in a few weeks’ time, and anybody that's ever been involved in the campaign knows how much work it takes, and the sacrifice it takes from everyone involved. And finally, for that first moment where it kind of hit me, 'What's going on?' the sacrifice that my family has offered me... it's overwhelming."
He responded to Max Bernier and the People's Party's efforts in targeting this riding, and seeing it as chance to make some gains.
"I think people really saw through the guy who's been an opportunist," says Leslie. "He was a parachute candidate in here. He didn't represent the values. He's not from the area, and at the end of the day, he was willing to say and do whatever he thought they wanted to hear. And I think that they chose to have somebody that understands their communities and their values to be the one representing them."
Leslie notes that Bernier considered him a fake Conservative, and adds, "I think I'm a pretty, darn, real Conservative.'
Having attended a farmers event recently, Leslie was approached by media about having made statements he was against the conversion therapy ban, and indicated that he was pro-convoy. Having stated that he was a man of his word, when asked if he would continue to hold those views if push comes to shove in the House of Parliament, Leslie explains he will vote with the will of his constituents.
"I think that means you understand your constituents, and you talk to them on a regular basis. As it relates to the piece of legislation that you were speaking about, I think it's important that, as a parliamentarian, you read the words on the paper. In the case of this, I don't believe that criminalizing parents, or faith leaders, or anybody else for that matter, that want to talk to young people when they're going through challenges, I don't believe that should be criminal."
Leslie adds he's so proud to represent his friends, neighbours and his family in Portage la Prairie.
"The people I grew up playing hockey with, golf with, and going to school with," says Leslie. "I've maintained close relationships over the years, because these are my friends. These are the people that I know and I'm so fortunate to have the trust in them to go represent them in Ottawa."