Local Conservative candidate Hugh Stevenson released a brief statement this afternoon, congratulating Liberal opponent Terry Sheehan on his victory and thanking his volunteers "from the bottom of my heart."
As SooToday first reported this morning, the former Sault Police chief has conceded defeat in the federal riding of Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma after a long night of counting that stretched into the wee hours of Tuesday.
With all but one poll reporting (286 of 287), Sheehan has captured 29,974 votes — 1,502 more than Stevenson's total of 28,472. (You can find the full results HERE.)
Below is Stevenson's full statement:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Terry Sheehan and his team for an honourable election - and I wish him and his team the very best in the future.
To my team and my volunteers I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This election would not have been close without your dedication.
I look forward to watch more success from Pierre as time goes on. I want to thank Pierre for the opportunity to run under his banner. I look forward to seeing him continue to fight for our country. Change is coming, just not today.
To every voter that took the time to discuss the issues at their door - I appreciate it and learned about the in-depth issues in our community.
Our country will continue to grow and meet the challenges ahead.
Hugh Stevenson