A local candidate in Monday's federal election is reflecting on the vote's results, and hopes others are doing the same.
Trevor Kirczenow was the liberal candidate for Provencher in the election, finishing off polls with 26 per cent of the vote—well over 13,000 ballots cast for him.
Candidate for the conservative party, Ted Falk, won the race with more than 66 per cent of Provencher residents' ticking his name on their ballot.
"Of course I wish the result had been different, but I'm grateful for the substantial support I received," Kirczenow says.
He says this is especially true given the challenges he faced on the campaign trail due to the actions of some who disagreed with his campaign, adding he encountered supporters that were concerned to visibly support his party.
"I really appreciate all the constituents who shared their stories with me so candidly, and my volunteers who worked so hard to promote a positive campaign. It took all the nerve I had to put myself out there day after day, and I could never have done it without the volunteers and supporters who put up signs, walked with me, made phone calls, and constantly encouraged me along the way," he says.
Kirczenow says he is hopeful the quiet show of support for his party causes the community to think and reflect on various issues, including women's rights, 2SLGBTQ+ rights, election interference, misinformation, and intimidation tactics.
Nationally, he says he's relieved to see Mark Carney elected to lead the country.
"I know that Canada is in excellent hands with Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Canadians' democratic and human rights will continue to be protected," he says.
He also referenced the unseating of the federal conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, during the election. A seat he held since 2004.
Kirczenow says he hopes reflection stems from this as well.