I would like to thank the voters of South Okanagan-West Kootenay for the trust you have placed in me by electing me as your Member of Parliament. I am humbled by your support and will work hard for all the people of South Okanagan-West Kootenay. My office door will always be open, and I pledge to not only take your concerns to Ottawa, but to actively seek out your ideas on how we can make this region an even better place to live.
I would also like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who worked for my campaign, and the volunteers who worked for the other candidates. Democracy only works when people are engaged, and this election campaign certainly saw Canadians get involved in record numbers. We should be proud that our riding had one of the higher voter turnouts of 73.4 per cent.
I also congratulate the other candidates—Connie Denesiuk, Brian Gray, Marshall Neufeld and Samantha Troy—for putting their names forward and campaigning in a fair and collegial manner. After a year and a half of meeting each other at events across the riding we came to know and respect each other—we all love and care for this region and our country despite what political differences we may have.
It will take a few weeks to set up my local offices; in the meantime please feel free to contact me through an interim email address: richard.cannings@ndp.ca.
Regards
Richard Cannings
Member of Parliament elect
South Okanagan-West Kootenay