Albas ready to get to work

Okanagan-Coquihalla MP-elect, Dan Albas says he's ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

Albas, who replaces outgoing MP Stockwell Day, topped the polls with nearly 54 per cent of the popular vote.

Unofficially, Albas garnered 58,525 votes compared to 12,853 for second place finisher David Finnis of the NDP.

Albas says his first order of business will be to hold several forums with different groups within the riding.

He says he is looking forward to hearing different mayors and council, not-for-profit groups and constituents throughout the riding have to say.

He says he'll get to work as soon as possible.

Albas, who also holds a seat on City Council, says he met briefly with Penticton Mayor, Dan Ashton Monday evening.

While he took a leave of absence from council during the election campaign, Albas says there is no time frame for that decision.

Albas says those details will be worked out soon to have the least impact on city taxpayers.

Albas' council term expires in November. The city is not obligated to hold a by-election this close to the main general municipal election.