Conservative candidate Larry Brock is heading back to Ottawa after securing a second term in Monday’s federal election.
First elected in 2021 to represent Brantford–Brant, Brock will now serve the newly formed riding of Brantford–Brant South–Six Nations. As of 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, Brock had garnered 31,142 votes — over 53 per cent of ballots counted — solidifying the Conservative hold on the riding.
Liberal candidate Joy O’Donnell trailed with 23,788 votes, accounting for 40.5 per cent of the vote as of 12:34 p.m.
New Democrat Anne Gajerski-Cauley, who in previous elections helped the NDP secure nearly 20 per cent of the local vote, saw a significant decline, receiving just 2,208 votes (3.8 per cent). Green Party candidate Karleigh Csordas earned 868 votes, representing 1.7 per cent of ballots cast, with 208 of 222 polls reporting.
A Campaign Built on Community Engagement
In his victory speech, Brock thanked his volunteers and supporters for their dedication since his first election in 2021 and throughout the current campaign.
“I think the difference in this campaign is obvious,” Brock told reporters after his speech. “I’ve been campaigning since my last election.”
Brock noted that many constituents expressed frustration at only seeing politicians during election season. He pledged to change that.
“That really resonated with me, and I told them that if they put their trust in me, they would see me between campaigns,” Brock said.
True to his word, Brock spent time meeting with residents throughout the community, introducing himself and ensuring constituents knew about the services his office provides. This continuous community presence, he said, allowed him to build stronger relationships — particularly with new Canadians, including members of the local Sikh and Hindu communities.
As election speculation grew, Brock and his team ramped up their efforts, allowing them to launch a strong ground campaign once the writ was dropped.
A Shifting National Landscape
Nationally, the Conservatives entered the election confident, having led the Liberals through much of late 2024. However, Brock noted that the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president significantly impacted the political landscape.
“His [Trump’s] involvement changed the narrative of the provincial campaign and had federal implications as well,” Brock said. “The Liberals were dead in the water in December and January, on life support with a leader who was disliked by most Canadians.”
He added that Trump’s presence allowed the Liberals to reshape their campaign message, ultimately helping them regain footing.
Brock thanked his wife Angela and their twin daughters, Jennie and Emma, for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged his campaign team, including former MPP Phil Gillies, for their hard work.
Brock vowed to hold the Liberal government accountable while continuing to serve his community.
His longstanding community involvement includes serving as chair of Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre and president of St. Leonard’s Community Services (now SOAR Community Services). He also chaired the Brant United Way campaign in 2015, raising more than $1.6 million for local charities.
Meet the Candidates
Liberal candidate Joy O’Donnell is a certified financial planner who founded Grand Financial Planning in 2005. She currently serves as first vice-president of the Brantford–Brant Chamber of Commerce, a director on the Grand Erie Public Health Board, and a member of the Rotary Club of Brantford. O’Donnell and her husband Joe have two sons, Quinn and Connor.
