SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — One thing is clear to two-time Egmont Member of Parliament Bobby Morrissey – Islanders want more to be done by the federal government.
Last election, Morrissey had about 50 per cent of the vote. Monday night's contest saw that support drop by about 10 per cent.
"We need to do the work," he said.
Despite a Liberal minority government coming out on top, Morrissey said on the ground there will not be too much impact in the riding.
"There won't be any change if we have a comfortable minority."
He said he felt the government programs rolled out over the last four years have been delivered to Egmont well and he doesn't look to change how he represented the riding. But, he admitted, there was unfinished business and projects he wants to continue to be a part of over this next term.
"Most major projects take a longer period of time and real investment. I want to continue with those."
Over the last 40-or-so days, Morrissey campaigned on what the government he’s been a part of for the last four years has done for Islanders, Egmont residents and Canadians alike.
"The people in Egmont really engaged in the issues, following the national campaign, which seemed to be more about personalities.
"This election was different than last election. NDP support dropped dramatically, Green support increased. Last election was about an anti-Harper Conservative government, and this time I had an agenda to defend."
He said the most talked-about issue he heard while going campaigning was P.E.I.'s healthcare system.
“The dominant concerns at the door were the issues with the Island healthcare system and people not having access to the proper treatment or a family doctor.”
"It's something we don't have direction on. It's an issue of the Government of P.E.I. We can address what we are hearing to a minor extent.
"... But, we have to impress upon them they need to do more."
The climate crisis, being another big topic discussed during the campaign, is on Morrissey's radar and so are programs and incentives to help the farming and fishing industries be conscientious of natural resources and protect the environment.
"We're a primary resource community. And those in the agriculture sectors are concerned by the climate crisis."
He added, "We always have to be aware of those [primary resources]. Our soil makes us a successful agriculture community. And the farming community is far more advanced, in the last 20 years, there's no question. But we still have room for improvement."
One thing Morrissey has been chastised for was the direction the government took on addressing the issues regarding P.E.I.'s EI Zones.
"I've taken criticism on this. But I'm committed to improving the EI system. To make changes."
Morrissey spent election night floating between his home, his constituency office in Tignish and ending the night at his Summerside office.
Throughout the night, campaign volunteers, scrutineers, and supporters anxiously awaited the bold checkmark beside Morrissey's name, declaring him as MP.
A longtime supporter of Morrissey, Darlene Everett, waited out the evening until the politician arrived to congratulate him.
“I’m excited and pleased he got in. It’s very well deserved for how well he’s been for Egmont. We’ve supported him for a long time. Back when he was supporting the aerospace centre - my husband worked there - in 1990. We’ve always been Bobby supporters.”
Morrissey said he wants to have a presence in the riding similar to the previous term.
"I'm a constituency politician. I want to be in the riding. I'm proud of it."
