Recount expected in northern Ont. race decided by just four votes

A judicial recount is expected in the riding of Mushkegowuk-James Bay, which was decided by a margin of just four votes.

Thursday’s provincial election in northern Ontario produced one of the closest races you will ever see in a democracy.

In the riding of Mushkegowuk-James Bay, incumbent Guy Bourgouin for the NDP won his seat by just four votes.

Officials with his campaign team said he wasn’t doing interviews, given the results were so close.

For his part, Conservative candidate Dave Plourde said he is applying for a recount.

“It’s for a judge to decide whether or not to grant,” Plourde said.

“It’s not an automatic, like people may think. It’s not just because it’s four votes. We’re going to have to prove our case to a judge.”

Elections Ontario said under the Election Act, if the official tabulation shows margins of victory of fewer than 25 votes, the returning officer for the district is required to apply for a recount.

Plourde said he’s eager for the process to play out.

“I’m just looking forward to, knowing the outcome and knowing, you know, what job I’ll actually have,” he said.

Plourde, who is the mayor of Kapuskasing, has been involved in municipal politics for 30 years. He said this is the first time he’s ever seen such a close race.

It just shows the truth of the saying that every vote counts.

“We should take it seriously and not say that it’s just ‘Oh, don’t worry, it it’s not going to matter,‘” he said.

“Every vote matters and this is a good example of that.”