By Khang Nguyen

Randy Hoback holds on to P.A. seat despite Liberal sweep nationally

Oct 19, 2015 | 10:42 PM

Conservative incumbent MP Randy Hoback has won the federal riding of Prince Albert.

After all 179 polls were counted in the riding, Hoback settled in for his third term as MP, with 19,679 votes in his favour.

“I’m honoured and privileged to represent the riding,” Hoback said, shortly after hearing the news. “I also have to compliment my competition … I compliment them for running a high class campaigns and they’re all great individuals.”

NDP’s Lon Borgerson came in with 11,244 votes while Liberal’s Gordon Kirkby had 7,836.

Hoback said he was confident going into the election, noting the support he’s received over the years.

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“People were very appreciative, very genuine at the doors. We felt very confident going into tonight,” Hoback said. “We did a lot of doors and for somebody to take over this riding they would have had to gain some 10,000 votes. You would hear that, you would feel that, and we didn’t see that at all.”

Although it was a win for the Conservative’s in Prince Albert, and most of Saskatchewan, a majority Liberal federal government makes the win a bittersweet one for Hoback.

“It’s disappointing. A Liberal victory isn’t what we wanted,” said Hoback. “I’m sad. I’ve got some colleagues that were very good members of parliament that are no longer there, and we’re going to miss that for sure.”

With projections showing a Liberal government early on Monday evening, Hoback said the experience was nerve-wracking.

“Watching results come out of Atlantic Canada, your heart stops, and it drops to the bottom of your gut … I’m not sure if I’m breathing yet,” he said with a smile.

Hoback is concerned with some of the Liberal Party views, referencing the legalization of marijuana and the Transpacific Partnership, but he says the Conservatives will work hard at being a responsible opposition.

“There’s lots of things I think we have to hold the Liberals accountable for and the people will expect me to do that,” Hoback said. “When they are doing things right I have no problem patting them on the back … but when they’re not, and they’re affecting people in this riding we’re definitely going to stand up for our famers, stand up for our constituents and make sure our voices are heard.”

Kirkby reacts to federal win

Although the Liberal’s came in third in the riding, there was reason for celebration for Gordon Kirkby and Liberal supporters.

The group at Dr. Java’s had their eyes glued to the TV as projections of a majority Liberal federal government came in.

Kirkby said the results are in tune with what he has heard from his supporters.

“There’s been an overwhelming desire for change,” Kirkby said. “The goal to have a country return to sensibilities on an international stage, in terms of international relations and in terms of how a government treats each of its citizens is really important, and that’s happened today.”

knguyen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @khangvnguyen