Arnold heading to Ottawa

While the Conservatives may have fallen nationally, in the North Okanagan-Shuswap, they were given a strong mandate to return to Ottawa.

Tory candidate Mel Arnold was surrounded by jubilant supporters Monday as the results of the 2015 federal election rolled in. With each poll announced, the rookie politician pulled ahead of Liberal Cindy Derkaz – who made a surprise rush to second place – NDP hopeful Jacqui Gingras and Green candidate Chris George.

Arnold said he is “extremely excited” to have the campaign over with and is ready to head to the nation's capital.

“I know the work hasn't ended,” he said following news of his victory. “It's going to be a lot of work representing this riding, especially as opposition.”

Long before the B.C. ballots were counted, Justin Trudeau and his Liberals had already formed a majority government, unseating the long-ruling Conservatives.

“We have good representation and strong numbers, so we can be a powerful voice as opposition,” said Arnold. “We can still move things forward in this riding.”

Arnold said he will continue to work on infrastructure improvements and co-operation with local government.

“You need the federal government to put the policies in place so the local government can do their work,” he said.

Watching the election unfold from the Arnold campaign office was former Tory MP Colin Mayes.

As this is the first time Arnold has held political office, Mayes said he will have a steep learning curve.

He will also have to get used to being in opposition and not the ruling party, as Mayes was for his entire political career.

Mayes said watching his Conservative party fall to the Liberals was difficult.

“It's challenging after you feel you have accomplished a number of things for Canada,” he said. “But it's just a fact of life in politics. I have a lot of friends who didn't win today.”

Photo: Darren Handschuh

Conservative MP Mel Arnold and his wife, Linda.