Erin Haluschak
Record Staff
Following a lengthy political career spanning nearly two decades, Vancouver Island North Conservative MP John Duncan was defeated Monday night by NDP candidate Gord Johns.
“Obviously it’s a sad night for a lot of my friends, my colleagues. This was not the result I was anticipating at all,” he noted during a concession speech in the newly-created Courtenay-Alberni riding.
Duncan noted he is most disappointed that his fellow Conservative candidates he was mentoring on Vancouver Island did not succeed.
“It’s kind of tough … it’s kind of tough, yes. I know that everyone worked as hard they could and I actually thought we had a good message.”
He admitted the national campaign dictated voters, and added “there’s no way around it. That’s what happens.”
“And obviously on this occasion, that’s what happened big time.”
Appointed in 2010 as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Duncan said his most proud moment came in the appointment, particularly in nation building. He added he never stopped caring and working for the community and the greater Island.
He said he will spend the next few days clearing out his three offices and preparing for life out of the public eye.
“All good things do come to an end at some point.”