(Photo by Emma Butler)
Billy Denault will be the new Member of Provincial Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
Denault and his campaign team gathered with supporters, including retiring MPP John Yakabuski, who held the riding for more than 20 years, at the Clarion Hotel in Pembroke.
Denault admitted he had big shoes to fill, but said he’s up to the challenge.
Born and raised in Arnprior, where he holds a municipal council seat, Denault is a lifelong Ottawa Valley resident who works in accounting and finance.
Despite his young age, Denault is not the riding’s youngest MPP. Former Liberal MPP Sean Conway, first elected in 1975, at the age of 24, has just a few months on the record.
By 9:10 p.m., pundits were calling it a Conservative majority for the third consecutive time, something seen for the last time 65 years ago.
Yakabuski praised Denault and was enthusiastic about the future.
Denault said he’s looking forward to taking on the role of MPP.
The riding’s other candidates are: Liberal Oliver Jacob, NDP Marshall Buchanan; Green Party Anna Maria Dolan.; New Blue Party Mark Dickson; and Ontario Party Kevin Holm.
To check out a video of the celebration at Denault’s campaign party, click here.
(Written by Sherry Haaima, with files from Emma Butler and Richard Evans)
READ MORE: BY THE NUMBERS: Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke’s provincial election vote breakdown
Retiring MPP John Yakabuski and his wife Vicky watch the results. (Emma Butler photo)