Martin is grateful for support during election campaign

Chris Abbott

Editor

Amy Martin, the Ontario PC Party candidate in Haldimand Norfolk, said she was both grateful and proud after the Thursday, Feb. 27th Ontario election.

“The results are in and, while they are not what we hoped for, I still stand here completely filled with gratitude and pride,” said Martin in front of a full house of supporters at Capitol 33 in Delhi.

Independent candidate Bobbi Ann Brady won the Haldimand Norfolk riding with 33,669 votes. Martin tallied 12,949 votes; Vandan Patel, Liberal, 2,918; Erica Englert, NDP, 2,147; Anna Massinen, Green, 821; and Garry Tanchuk, New Blue, 392.

“First things first, congratulations are owed to Bobbi Ann Brady in the successful re-election of her campaign here in Haldimand Norfolk,” said Martin.

“And while we may not have won this election, we ran a campaign that mattered. This campaign stood for something and it will be remembered. Over the last month we knocked on over 15,000 doors. We spent time where it mattered most – with the hard-working folks of Haldimand Norfolk, at their doorsteps, listening to them.

“We fought, we showed up, and again, while those results may not have gone our way, I wouldn’t change a single thing. This campaign gave a voice and a vision to a request for a better future for Haldimand Norfolk, and that is admirable at the very least.”

Martin thanked her core campaign team for their dedication, support and grit, and the riding executive for ‘holding the line,’ and holding the association together.

“Because of that, we were able to put up a fight. We stand here today because you were the glue that kept us together.

“To every single volunteer who door knocked, phone called, put out a sign, drivers who drove people to the polls… and so many others, you made our presence felt across this riding.”

It was something to be proud of, said Martin.

“Campaigns take a toll on everyone, and no one knows that better than family members who stand by and watch. My mom started door knocking with me in -20 degree weather, and from there she ran the phones, the finances and she fed the team. My in-laws came by almost every other day with sweets and treats. All three of my siblings have stood by me throughout every single campaign and have always been in my corners. And my husband encouraged me to run.

“While we may not have won, we didn’t go down without a fight. We stayed above board, we put in the work, we held the line on our messaging, and we gave folks a choice at the ballot.”

Martin said that while she respects the decision of the electorate, “We won’t go away. We were born and raised here, we live here, we love it here. We will continue to advocate for Haldimand Norfolk and we will continue to push for progress and progression that we know is possible, and we know that we deserve.”

The Ontario PC party won 80 seats at Queen’s Park, followed by the NDP at 27, the Liberals 14, Green 2, and the Haldimand Norfolk Independent, Bobbi Ann Brady. 

“To the team that will form government, congratulations,” said Martin. “We know that you will continue to work hard for all of Ontario, and for the residents of Haldimand Norfolk, and I will be here to support you in any way that I can.

“So tonight, we do not hang our heads or walk away discouraged. We stand proud of the campaign that we ran and the work that we committed. This was an honourable campaign and I’d like to thank each and every one of you for the role that you played. Thank you Haldimand Norfolk, the work continues tomorrow.”

On Feb. 28, Norfolk County announced Martin, who took a voluntary unpaid leave of absence to focus on her campaign, has resumed her full duties as Mayor following the provincial election results. 

In a media release, it was stated, “Norfolk County appreciates the support and understanding of its residents during this period and looks forward to continuing its work under Mayor Martin's leadership. Norfolk County also congratulates Bobbi Ann Brady on continuing as our local Member of Provincial Parliament and wishes her success.”

chris@granthaven.com