Tory Gracious In Defeat, As He Loses Both Election And Seat
Posted October 10, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Needless to say it wasn’t John Tory’s night.
Not only did the Progressive Conservative leader not win the election, but he didn’t even win his own GTA riding of Don Valley West. That seat was claimed by former education minister Kathleen Wynne.
Tory was gracious in his concession speech Wednesday night, congratulating Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty on his victory and Wynne on hers. He urged the party to work with the opposition on issues important to Ontarians.
“I very much hope the new government will heed the call of the many groups who feel they are being left behind, whether it be skilled immigrants, small business people, farmers, those who lost their jobs, people without a doctor, or people living in challenged neighbourhoods to name a few,” he said in his speech.
“I came to public life to build bridges and to get things done and that includes getting big things done like building a stronger economy, encouraging investment in job creation, and making sure that our big cities and small towns can remain viable, including a strong Toronto, but it also includes getting many other things done, which make a big difference in the life of average citizens.”
Tory admitted he was disappointed with the election results but said he’d learned a lot over the course of the campaign. His party’s momentum ground to a halt after he pledged to fund faith-based schools.
He’s said he intends to stay on as leader of the Progressive Conservatives despite the poor showing, and will apparently be speaking with members of his party about where to go from here.
To see Tory’s speech, click here.