Red Wave engulfs Saint Boniface-Saint Vital

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This article was published 20/10/2015 (3925 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Supporters of the candidates in southeast Winnipeg expressed a roller-coaster of emotions last night.

In the end, after a 78-day federal election campaign, Dan Vandal (Lib) beat François Catellier (Con), Erin Selby (NDP) and Glenn Zaretski (Green) to become the next MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital.

Liberal volunteer Marla Nystrom-Smith — who did “lots of data work with the data manager” during the campaign — was thrilled with the success of the “Red Wave” both locally and nationally.

“This is my first political involvement ever, so what a ride. I became involved because my kids are older now and I felt it was time to stand up and say this is what I stand for — for Dan, as a person, especially, and of course, the party,” she said.

Speaking to The Lance at an upbeat post-election celebration at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain, Nystrom-Smith said she thinks Vandal — a former longtime St. Boniface city councillor — will bring the same qualities from his municipal political career to the federal level.

“He really worked for us and represented the area as a councillor, so I trusted he would do the same as an MP. This was about bringing the riding back to the party. Now, all the hard work feels worth it.

Yes, it has been a long campaign, but this has been to our benefit. Dan had endless energy on the campaign trail,” she added.

“I’m so proud to be part of this on a local level, as well as nationally. I’m an optimist by nature, but I never expected such a Liberal landslide.”

Conservative volunteer Denis Borgeois — who took on several roles including fundraising, volunteer co-ordinator and candidate assistant — was disappointed with his party’s second-place finish and believed Catellier was the best candidate for the role.

“With respect the greatest respect to the other candidates; I think voters made a huge mistake. François Catellier is a special man who is so smart and capable and passionate about serving the people. It would have been a win-win for everyone to get him into office,” Borgeois said.

Talking before the polls were in, NDP volunteer Sarah Khalil was philosophical about Selby’s chances.

“I think we need to elect a government that’s more progressive and understands the needs of people that are more susceptible to be vulnerable. Erin is a very strong female voice and she how to prioritize what’s best for Manitobans. She knows what’s important for future generations and that’s why I’m here.”