How Bruce Fanjoy (somehow) beat Pierre Poilievre in Carleton

Bruce Fanjoy of the Liberal party won the seat for the Carleton riding during the federal election, April 29, 2025. Photo by Jean Levac /PostmediaArticle content

Bruce Fanjoy’s election party ended Tuesday at 2 a.m. when supporters were kicked out of the Manotick Legion.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

The real party presumably started sometime after 5 a.m. local time, location unknown, when his victory over Pierre Poilievre was declared.

Article content

It’s a stunning upset for the first-time Liberal candidate who won the Carleton riding over the current Conservative Party leader and seven-time MP.

Article content

It was the latest twist in an election that has been characterized by crazy turns and role reversals, including the longest ballot fiasco that significantly delayed the election night vote count.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

During Mark Carney‘s victory speech, the prime minister said he was looking forward to working with his fellow Liberal MPs.

Article content

“Bruce!” someone shouted from the stands.

Article content

“Yes, I’m really looking forward to working with Bruce Fanjoy,” Carney smirked.

Article content

Bruce Fanjoy, in early April, was campaigning in his riding. Photo by Ashley Fraser /PostmediaArticle content

At the Manotick Legion (next to Poilievre’s campaign office) Fanjoy’s volunteers and supporters started to gather before polls closed.

Article content

When the early numbers suggested Fanjoy was in the lead, cheers erupted.

Article content

The Liberal candidate appeared shortly before midnight, when the win was far from solidified.

Article content

“My heart is filled with gratitude,” he said.

Article content

“I will never forget what this feels like. This doesn’t happen without you.”

Article content

Fanjoy, a father of two children, gained momentum after reports emerged of a tightening race in the riding between the Conservative and Liberal parties.

Article content

He went door-to-door promising to be more available in the riding to constituents. He said he’d help farmers and businesses cut energy costs by deploying some of the same technology he used to build his eco-friendly Manotick home that consumes up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings. He spoke to locals who feared Conservatives would trim the size of public service.

Article content

He also ran on defeating Poilievre and protecting Canadian sovereignty amidst the tariff war with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Article content

“I always believed there was a path to victory in Carleton,” Fanjoy said in an interview with the Ottawa Citizen. “I’m just so thankful for all the people who have joined me on this journey.”