OTTAWA — Bruce Fanjoy achieved an unexpected victory in the recent election, defeating high-profile Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in his own riding of Carleton. Fanjoy attributes his success to his team's dedication and their commitment to listening to the concerns of constituents while actively campaigning for two years.
Speaking from a café in Manotick, Ontario, on Wednesday, Fanjoy expressed that he was not surprised by his win, citing the extensive groundwork laid by his campaign team, including knocking on over 15,000 doors. “I felt good about our chances,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of his team's efforts.
As election night unfolded, Fanjoy noticed encouraging early results that fueled his confidence. “I thought, OK, OK, we’re right in this,” he recalled, noting that he maintained a lead over Poilievre throughout the night. Ultimately, Fanjoy went to bed around 3:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, and received a call confirming his victory just over an hour later.
Fanjoy won Carleton by a margin of 4,315 votes, marking a significant upset against Poilievre, who has represented the riding since 2004 and has been elected six times over 21 years. Poilievre, who assumed leadership of the Conservative party in 2022, has built a reputation as an effective Opposition leader known for his pointed remarks during parliamentary sessions. However, he has also been viewed as a divisive figure, with polls reflecting negative personal approval ratings, especially among women.
Fanjoy suggested that Poilievre had taken the riding for granted, having failed to run an active campaign until the final weeks before the election. “He’s taken us for granted, and nobody likes to feel taken for granted,” Fanjoy said, asserting that this perception contributed significantly to his campaign's success.
Before formally campaigning, Fanjoy proactively engaged with constituents, aiming to understand their needs and concerns. He noted that moderate Conservatives in the riding expressed dissatisfaction with the negative and divisive style attributed to Poilievre's campaign, and there seemed to be a desire among voters for bipartisan cooperation.
Regarding his future in politics, Fanjoy emphasized his goal of being a strong representative for Carleton. “They haven’t had one for a while,” he stated, committed to ensuring constituents have access to government programs and services. While he acknowledged the potential for further political responsibilities, Fanjoy reiterated his focus on effectively serving his local community.
Professionally, Fanjoy is portrayed as a retired business expert focusing on sustainability and climate change. His background includes experience with notable companies like Deloitte and Ceridian, as well as living in different cities such as Halifax and Winnipeg. In 2022, he gained recognition in the Ottawa Citizen for constructing an “exceptionally sustainable home.”
Active in community initiatives, Fanjoy has participated in various boards aiming to enhance local issues like road safety and recreational activities. Despite the significant shift from his quieter life to more public engagement, he expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I feel good about what we’ve done both for Carleton and for the country. I’m not nervous.”
Additionally, a post on Fanjoy’s social media from January 2024 went viral following his election success. In the post, he responded to a critic doubting his chances against Poilievre, confidently stating, “Watch me.” He reflected on this moment, linking it to his determination and self-belief upon announcing his candidacy.
