For the first time in history voters have elected a woman to represent them in the federal constituency of Scarborough Southwest.
Voters in the east Toronto riding gave Liberal candidate Michelle Simson a comfortable victory over her nearest rival Conservative candidate Greg Crompton. Simson won by over 4500 votes.
Liberal supporters gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion at 2 Robinson Ave., Tuesday night to hear Simson’s victory speech.
“I’m incredibly proud to be the first female MP to be elected in Scarborough Southwest.”Simson said.
In defeat, Conservative Greg Crompton appeared happy with the results. He said he would be back in the next election.
“I’m gonna keep volunteering,” he said. “I’m gonna keep working with the community organizations and when the time comes along, they’re going to have a choice between, again, myself and Michelle Simson.”
Liberal MP Tom Wappel held the riding over the past 20 years, but when Wappel announced he would not run again, Michelle Simson was appointed by Stephane Dion to run in his place.
Simson was president of the Ontario Liberal Women’s Commission for 4 years and had set out specific goals.
“Our mandate was to get women engaged politically and get women elected, ” Simson said.