Liberal candidate Charles Sousa has won the federal byelection in Mississauga–Lakeshore with over 51 percent of the votes.
“It’s official: The winner of tonight’s by-election is [Charles Sousa],” wrote Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter late on Dec. 12. “I’m looking forward to working with him to deliver results for the people of Mississauga—Lakeshore – I know he’s ready, and there’s no doubt he’s up to the task. Congratulations, Charles.”
Sousa, a former Ontario MPP and provincial finance minister, lost his seat in the Ontario Legislature in 2018 after Progressive Conservative Rudy Cuzzetto won the provincial election in the Mississauga—Lakeshore riding that year.
Forty candidates put their names forward for the Dec. 12 federal byelection.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre posted his support for the veteran officer on Twitter the afternoon of the election.
Chhinzer is a “strong Conservative,” Poilievre said, adding that with “20 years in law enforcement as a police officer & anti-gang expert, [he] will be a strong advocate to tackle crime & restore safe streets in Mississauga.”
The NDP candidate, Kole, is a former provincial constituency assistant.The majority of candidates ran as independents.
Voter turnout for the byelection was over 26 percent, according to Elections Canada.
The byelection follows the resignation of former Liberal MP Sven Spengemann who left for a job at the United Nations. Polling stations in Mississauga were open from 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday.
The preliminary results are not considered complete until the counting of local special ballots is completed, with counting beginning Dec. 14.
