Conservative candidate Á’a:líya Warbus has won the Chilliwack-Cultus Lake riding in the 2024 provincial election.
"I'm so excited to be moving into a new part of my life," Warbus said from her campaign victory event, "and representing all of the people from this riding. I'm just excited."
She said there was also an element of "disbelief," in the results that showed she had 55 per cent of the votes with only a few ballot boxes remaining, with 12,988 votes, ahead of Kelli Paddon's 10,635 votes.
After all ballot boxes were counted on election night it was 13,307 for Warbus, and 10,860 votes for Paddon.
But the final election count is expected on Oct. 28.
"What I heard from people most is that cost of living and (the need for) helping people who are struggling right now homeless in our very own streets of Chilliwack," Warbus. "We want to see that change, and we want to see life become more affordable for people."
Job one once she takes office as MLA will be "to get the budget back on track" to trickle down to everyone in British Columbia, "whether that's direct work we take on or not."
"I want to thank everybody, every single supporter, every single voter, regardless of how you vote. I think as a community, we need to come together and we need to come together on the issue side to drive this part, we're stronger together. That's my message."
Warbus was running against incumbent NDP candidate Kelli Paddon, who was first elected in 2020.
Warbus was born and raised in Stó:lō territory, with deep family roots in politics and activism.
The media company owner announced she was running for the Conservatives because she said leader John Rustad would end NDP policies like the so-called safe-supply of opioids.
"Instead of fighting for prevention and rehabilitation, this Eby NDP government is pushing these addictive drugs on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people," Warbus said in campaign bid.
After the election, Kelli Paddon put out a statement on social media conceding the loss: "It has been a true honour to serve our community as MLA for the past four years, and I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish together.
"Although the result of this campaign is not what we hoped for, I am grateful for everyone who raised their hand, their voice, and supported this work," Paddon wrote.
She praised her campaign manager Alison, and "the incomparable" Jennifer who coordinated get-out-the-vote efforts and the dozens of amazing volunteers who worked hard everyday: "Thank You. Your dedication to our community is inspiring and I am so grateful to know all of you," said the outgoing MLA signing it, "yours in community, Kelli Paddon."
