Barrett grabs big early lead

Conservative Michael Barrett had a solid hold on the riding of Leeds— Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes on Monday night, taking more than 50 per cent of the vote in early polling.

Josh Bennett (Liberal), Michelle Taylor (NDP), Lorraine Rekmans (Green party) and Evan Tennant-Hindle (People’s Party of Canada) were also on the ballot in the riding.

Following the death of Conservative MP Gord Brown, Barrett won the byelection with 58 per cent of the vote in 2018. He lives in Spencerville with his wife Amanda and their four children: Luke, Ama, Michaela and James.

Barrett served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a telecommunication lineman. He later worked as a human resources manager while serving as a municipal councillor in the Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.

Asked during the campaign about what issue would be most important in his riding, Barrett said: “Folks are concerned about affordability, availability of employment and modern infrastructure.

“In addition to that, many residents and businesses are deeply concerned about the flooding along the St. Lawrence. Across the riding, improved digital infrastructure for cell and internet coverage continues to be a challenge.

“I’ll continue working with provincial and municipal partners to fulfil their local priorities and objectives; building critical infrastructure and improving digital infrastructure, creating an environment that encourages and invites job creation and economic development and supporting and expanding the services available to everyone in the community.”