Mike Barrett
Liberal John McCallum addresses his supporters at The Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall Tuesday night after winning the Markham-Unionville riding once again.
Markham
October 15, 2008 11:02 AM
Simone Joseph, Staff Writer
Liberal incumbent John McCallum has been re-elected as a member of Parliament in Markham-Unionville.
“I am grateful to Markham that I have been re-elected for a fourth term. I will work hard to prove you were right to have confidence in me,” he said tonight.
He promised to push for an open and generous immigration policy. Dealing with gridlock and the need for public transit will also be among Mr. McCallum’s top priorities as Markham-Unionville’s MP, he said.
Mr. McCallum and his main rival, Conservative candidate Duncan Fletcher, congratulated each other on a fair campaign.
“Duncan Fletcher conducted a clean campaign. We fought it fairly and squarely,” Mr. McCallum said.
Mr. Fletcher made congratulatory remarks surrounded by Liberal supporters at Mr. McCallum’s camp at the Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall.
“Thank you for a great campaign. Congratulations, John, for your win today. I wish him the best of luck.”
Mr. McCallum remained unphased at the prospect of once again being an MP with his party as the Opposition.
“I have already had the experience for two years. I am used to it five years in government and 2-1/2 in opposition,” he said.
Mr. McCallum was first elected to the House of Commons back in November 2000 and serves as the Liberal finance critic for the official opposition. During his time in politics, he has held many cabinet portfolios under both the Jean Chrtien and Paul Martin governments.
The other candidates included Nadine Hawkins of the NDP, who captured about 10 per cent of the votes cast and Leonard Aitken of the Green Party, who drew about 4 per cent.