Conservative leader Eric Duhaime loses race in Chauveau, party ends race empty-handed
Despite making momentous gains in the popular vote in his campaign, Conservative Party of Quebec (CPQ) leader Eric Duhaime was unable to win a seat in the Chauveau riding.
He told supporters that he plans to stay on as party leader, calling the last five weeks a "David and Goliath" campaign.
"I'll need you even more in the next four years," he said to the crowd at the Conservative headquarters, before moving to congratulate his opponents, with a promise to run again next election. "Prepare yourself, because in four years, it will be much tougher."
Duhaime had hoped to pick up the seat from CAQ incumbent Sylvain Levesque, who obtained enough votes to deny him.
Supporters react as they watch the results at the Conservative election night headquarters on Monday, October 3, 2022 in Lac-Delage, Quebec. THE CANADIAN PRESS / Bernard Brault
It was an undoubtedly disappointing night for Conservative candidates who, despite polling at second place in terms of popular support during the campaign, were unable to win a single seat.
The CAQ also took Beauce-North and Beauce-South, the other two ridings polls suggested could go to the Conservatives.
It's a result Duhaime forecasted well before any ballots were cast. He had previously called it the political "distortion of the century" -- a condemnation renewed again during his closing speech Monday.
He maintained, however, that the campaign was just phase one of his plans for the party, or as he put it, the first period.
"Politics is like our national sport, like hockey. There are 3 periods," he said. "The first period ends for us tonight. The first period was to make sure that we became a big party, that we became part of the big league."
"We've done that masterfully."
He also took credit for publicizing his party's desire to expand the private health sector and to develop Quebec hydrocarbon infrastructure.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.