North Island- Powell River MP elect Aaron Gunn says it was a hard election, but now he’s ready to get to work.
Gunn says it’s time to stand up for the riding and represent his constituents and their concerns when the next parliament sits.
“I am very excited to get to Ottawa, and to start being the voice of this riding and start standing up for their concerns and priorities,” Gunn says.
Gunn says this riding is very unique and there isn’t a one-fit solution because of the amount of industry, and he intends on speaking up and being vocal to ensure North Island-Powell River gets what they deserve.
“Being a loud voice for the resource sector, forestry, fishing, and mining is going to be very important to make sure the concerns are heard,” he says. “One of the biggest issues for me is the addiction crisis.
“Fifty thousand Canadians have died from drug overdoses since 2015 as result, in part, of this failed drug liberation, I want to be a loud voice in opposition to reverse a lot of that.”
He also says part of his ambition is to help make sure members of the military get supports they need, which has been severely lacking.
“We have a big military base in Comox; they’ve been underfunded for years under both parties” he says. “Hopefully we can bring a by-partisan to that issue.”
While minority governments typically don’t last a full term, Gunn says the key is to continue being a loud voice and stand true to Canadians.
“It’s very unlikely this government lasts four years,” he says. “Minority governments typically don’t go a full term.
“Pierre Poilievre’s going to have to run for a new seat somewhere else, but I think he’ll stay on as leader, and we’ll get back to holding this government to account.”
The seat was previously held by Rachel Blaney with the NDP from 2015-2025.
According to Elections Canada, North Island-Powell River had a 74.1 per cent voter turnout.
