Byelection win will boost Tories in Quebec: MP

by Yahoo Canada — November 10, 2009

CALGARY (CBC) - The newest Conservative MP in Quebec says his byelection victory proves the province is warming up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Tories.

In an upset win Monday night, Bernard Généreux, the former mayor of La Pocatière, beat his Bloc Québécois rival in the rural riding of MontmagnyL'IsletKamouraskaRivière-du-Loup, handing the Conservatives their first triumph in the region in 16 years.

"We'll change this old story about Quebec that doesn't want to be with the Conservative Party," Généreux said in a telephone interview after his feat. "I'm a happy guy, I'm a solid guy. I'm constructive, and the party is constructive."

Généreux finished with 1,500 more votes than his Bloc counterpart, Nancy Gagnon. He said Bloc Québécois fatigue helped propel him to victory.

"I'm a Canadian, and I'm really proud to be, and I will work with the caucus in Quebec and the MPs in Ottawa from the Conservative Party to advance the country," he said.

Généreux described his victory Monday as sweet because he has never actually won a campaign, despite serving as a local mayor in Eastern Quebec.

"Actually, I won by acclamation in La Pocatière," he said. "I have never been in a race actually in politics. This is the first time in my life."

The Bloc had an easier time in Hochelaga, the other Quebec riding up for grabs in a byelection Monday night, with economist Daniel Paillé cruising to victory with a comfortable 5,000-vote margin.

Only 22 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots, a disappointing but understandable turnout, Paillé said.

"It's the fourth election here in one year," he told the CBC at a victory party at the Brasseries des Patriotes. "But I'll take every vote, and over 50 per cent for me, ... it's a good victory."

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Source:Yahoo Canada