Andrew Scheer secures Regina-Qu'Appelle seat for Conservative opposition

Conservatives in Regina had reason for celebration after the federal election, albeit minimal.

On a night where the party was ultimately left defeated, Regina-Qu’Appelle’s Andrew Scheer was easily able to retain the same seat he’s held since 2004. The most recent Speaker of the House was first welcomed by cheers, clapping and an “Andrew! Andrew! Andrew!” chant at his campaign headquarters. Later, he received a warm ovation from Regina Tory supporters headquartered at the Delta Hotel.

“Friends, tonight Canada has taken a little bit of a different direction but here in Saskatchewan we’ve still managed to send a very strong team of Conservative MPs to Parliament,” he stated.

“We’re going to have our work cut out for us. I’ve been in opposition before. We’re used to holding governments to accounts and certainly looking forward to doing that in the next term.”

Regina-Lewvan Conservative candidate Trent Fraser hopes to join Scheer in Ottawa. Fraser lost in what was expected to be a close riding. And it was close. Very close. So close, in fact, that Fraser still has hope.

“The margin is that close that we’re certainly considering a recount,” he said.

Early tabulations show the NDP’s Erin Weir narrowly beat Fraser by about 140 votes.

“I can tell you and look you right in the eye and tell you we’re not ready to concede at this point,” Fraser insisted.