(Update)’We’re here to present new ideas’: Candidates react to local defeat in election 2025

Updated April 30th, 3:45 p.m.: Updated to include comments from the Liberal and Green candidates.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — With almost all of the ballots in northeast B.C. counted, incumbent candidate Bob Zimmer has secured his seat in parliament for the fifth election in a row.

During the 2025 Canadian federal election, Bob Zimmer, the incumbent MP candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada, won the Prince George, Peace River and Northern Rockies riding over four other candidates in the race.

As of publication time, 258 out of 272 (94.8 per cent) of the polls had reported voting results, with Zimmer securing 70.9 per cent of the vote. 

According to Elections Canada, approximately 52,600 registered voters cast their ballots in the Prince George, Peace River and Northern Rockies riding, resulting in 59.26 per cent voter turnout in the riding, not including those who registered to vote on April 28th. 

Peter Njenga, the candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada, had the second largest share of the vote with 19.6 per cent.

In a written statement, Njenga thanked those who cast their ballots for him, saying he felt “humbled,” and congratulated Zimmer on his win.

“All I’m asking him is that as he goes to represent us in Parliament, he should avoid voting against issues that benefit our riding, and to work harder to bring forth additional industries and housing in our riding,” Njenga said.

“As we look forward to our riding’s future economic and social development, please let us work together as a team that puts our political party inclination aside.”

Cory Longley of the New Democratic Party came in third place with 6.1 per cent. He thanked his fellow candidates in the election, especially Zimmer, and said he hopes to see increased public interest in future elections, regardless of which party electors vote for.

“I never expected to win, that was never even in my vision at all,” Longley said.

“I had to tell [my campaign volunteers] that this riding has voted Conservative for over 50 years, so I don’t expect us to be the ones that are pulling up the astroturf and changing the landscape.

“We’re here to present new ideas, different ideas, different views and be more inclusive than the incumbent, that was my goal.”

Mary Forbes of the Green Party of Canada received 2.1 per cent of the vote, and expressed her gratitude she was able to be a voice for those in the riding wishing to vote Green.

“Two thousand people wanted to be heard a little bit differently and I was there for them, and that just fills my heart with happiness,” Forbes said.

Forbes also congratulated Zimmer on his win, encouraging him to represent the people of the riding regardless of how they voted. 

“Notice that there are some people that voted differently, and keep representing them and remember that their voices are different [from] yours, and I know that you’ll do a great job ensuring that those voices are still heard.”

David Watson of the People’s Party of Canada received 1.3 per cent, and stated he hoped voter turnout would be higher and expressed his intention to run in the next federal election in the riding. 

“I’ve already talked with [the PPC’s] national office…and [I will be] even better prepared for next time around,” Watson said. 

In the federal election, the Liberal Party of Canada will be forming the country’s 45th government for the fourth consecutive term. At the time of publication ballots are still being counted to confirm whether the party will form a majority or minority government. 

In a joint statement, British Columbia independent MLAs Tara Armstrong, Dallas Brodie and Jordan Kealy encouraged a focus on the province’s energy and resource sectors.

“We are committed to fighting for a stronger, more prosperous British Columbia,” the MLAs’ statement read. 

“In the coming days and weeks, we will engage extensively with the grassroots of British Columbia to discuss the future needs of our province.”