On what was a disappointing night for the Ontario Liberal Party, Orléans MPP Stephen Blais was among eight Liberal candidates who managed to stem the big blue tide that swept across the province last Thursday night and win their respective ridings.
Despite their optimism heading into the election, the Liberals only managed to gain one seat in the provincial legislature, while the Conservatives increased their majority from 67 to 83 seats mostly at the expense of the NDP which held on to its status as the official opposition despite losing seven seats.
The inability of the Liberal Party to pick up more than one seat and the NDP losses have resulted in the resignations of both party’s leaders – Liberal leader Steven Del Duca after just two years and Andrea Horvath who has led the NDP since 2009.
Blais was among six Liberal incumbents and two newcomers who did get re-elected. Only one Liberal incumbent failed to hold on to their seat. Amanda Simard lost to her Conservative opponent, Stéphane Serrazin, in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell by less than 1,500 votes.
Simard was elected in 2018 as a member of the PC party, She crossed the floor to join the Liberals just over a month later after Doug Ford eliminated the province’s French-language services commissioner and cancelled plans for a new French language university.
Blais was first elected to the legislature in February 2020 in a by-election to replace Marie-France Lalonde who successfully ran to replace Liberal Andrew Leslie as the federal MP for the area.
Prior to winning his seat, Blais served as a school trustee for the Ottawa Catholic School Board from 2006 to 2010 and city councilor for Cumberland Ward from 2010 to 2020.
He will now work with his fellow Liberal MPPs to continue to rebuild the Ontario Liberal Party, but first they must chose an interim leader.
For his part, Blais plans to continue to hold the Conservative government accountable for their actions and work hard to ensure the residents of Orléans gets their fair share of investments.
“(The results) are disappointing to be sure. We were hoping to do better. We have to understand what happened tonight and understand what worked and what didn’t work.
“Unfortunately, (the results) give Doug Ford the time and the mandate to cut education, to cut health care, and to really drive our province backward.
“I’m going to work really hard for the next four years to ensure issues like the 174 and the expansion of MIFO are brought front and centre.
A MARCH FAMILY CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER in support of the Ottawa School of Theatre production of Little Women from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Shenkman Arts Centre. All funds raised will go towards the OST all ages production of Little Women, taking place from December 4-6.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc. For more info visit 
SDBC TAPROOM SERIES presents a classic singalong with Erin Adair from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. NO COVER. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
CRAFT AND BAKE SALE from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. presented by the Hobbs Seniors Club at the Roy Hobbs Community Centre, 109 Larch Cres. off Champlain Street.
GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH CHRISTMAS CONCERT from 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church, 3092 Innes Rd. at the Blackburn Bypass. A joyful evening of music to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season in support of local charities and assistance to the needy. Donations can be made in cash or by cheque. Tax receipts will be issued in 2027.
THE COCA COLA HOLIDAY CARAVAN is coming to the Sobeys store at Trim and Innes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prizes, free hot chocolate and a live DJ playing songs of the holiday season. Presented by Sobeys Trim & innes and Myers Orléans.
