Atamanenko remains at the helm for the B.C. Southern Interior

Canadian went to the polls yesterday to elect a Conservative majority government, but locally Atamanenko received solid support for his return to office with over 50 percent of the popular vote. This is Atamanenko’s third victory in the riding.

 

 “It’s a good victory, we’ve all been worked really hard – it’s been a real team effort,” said Atamanenko at his victory party at the Portuguese Hall in Castlegar. “I’m thankful for all the support I got. I’m happy that we’re the official opposition. At the same time I’m concerned about the fact that the Conservatives have a majority – it places a real burden on my shoulders and the shoulders of those in my party to hold these guys accountable.”

 

Atamanenko hopes to be able to have an impact on the important issues that came to the forefront before and during his campaign.

 

“I’ve been hearing on the campaign trail (the key issues) are the agricultural area – organic farmers are concerned about the genetically modified contamination. We’ve got seniors who desparately need an increase in their pension, and young families who are having a hard time making ends meet. We don’t have enough jobs to go around. A lot of issues that we’re going to have to work together to resolve – I’ll do my very best.”

 

His past role as critic for agriculture is one that Atamanenko hopes to resume on his return to Ottawa but as the official opposition there might be some changes.

 

“It’s possible that I’ll have new responsibilities. There are a lot more of us – it’s going to be a new scenario. I’m looking forward to that excitement,” said Atamanenko.

 

Atamanenko recognized his campaign  volunteers and the other candidates in the race for the seat.

 

“I want to say thank-you to all of the people working in all the campaign offices – we had six of them! That’s tremendous support!” Atamanenko added. “I thank Stephen, Brian and Shan for their participation and coming forward and I wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.”

 

Voter turnout for the region was 66.4 percent of all registered voters – higher than the national average of 61 percent.