Election night is about more than just winners.
For every successful candidate there are many more who fall short.
But most appear to take it in stride, and some learn a thing or two.
"I've always been a lefty, but when I went to Libya I really saw real human suffering and I wanted to make sure I never saw that in Canada," said NDP candidate Matt Stickland (Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook). "One of the big things I've learned is a lot of people will just tell you their stories. If you go knock on their door ... they'll just tell you these heart-breaking stories."
Jo-Ann Roberts finished in third place for the Greens in Halifax but, as in many other ridings, saw support rise for her party.
“The 2019 election will be the election that people look back to, and that’s what they will say. That’s when the Greens turned it around.”
Here's what some other candidates had to say in defeat:
NDP candidate Christine Saulnier (Halifax) speaks to supporters:
"People of Dartmouth - Cole Harbour you all inspired me, thank you so so so much," Emma Norton. pic.twitter.com/r5nAlG3BDp
— Olivia Malley (@OliviaMalley) October 22, 2019
“Nothing ever happens unless each of us has that kind of support.” Thomas Trappenberg and Brenda Rowe, the President and Vice President of the Nova Scotia Green Party, thank the volunteers that have supported @JoAnnRobertsHFX and the green party. #canadavotes2019 #elxn43 pic.twitter.com/kmmKUzN7K9
— Ellery Platts (@ellery_platts) October 22, 2019
In Centrai Nova, Liberal Sean Fraser's opponents saw their hopes dashed.
“Sean’s a good young man and he did good things for Central Nova,” Conservative hopeful George Canyon said. “I pray that in going back to Parliament he’s going to be able to really dig in. He’s has a bit more maturity now about him because he’s spent the last four years there and he will be able to really step up and be the voice for Central Nova."
NDP candidate Betsy MacDonald described her campaign as a tremendously positive experience.
"It has been humbling to speak with voters and hear their concerns, and to learn about the range of issues in Central Nova," she said. "It has been energizing and encouraging to experience the support we do have, and to see the opportunity we have to build the party in the riding of Central Nova. I feel like we have positive momentum and I look forward to continuing the work.
In West Nova, Liberal candidate Jason Deveau watched as the riding was reclaimed for the Conservatives by Chris d’Entremont.
“While tonight is a hard night, I have no regrets," Deveau said. "We fought the good fight. I gave it my all but it was not enough for us to win.”
With files from Kristin Gardiner, Ellery Platts, Tina Comeau and Adam MacInnis
