After skipping multiple debates pre-election, Fraser Valley politician issues statement now that he won
FRASER VALLEY — A 25-year-old businessman and political newcomer who hid from voters by skipping multiple candidates forums in the Abbotsford-South Langley riding has issued a statement following his victory on Monday night.
Sukhman Gill, whose absence from an Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce forum generated an online petition that drew over 4,600 signatures, says he’s “deeply honoured” by the trust voters placed in him. Gill won 43.1 per cent of the votes, or 24,126 votes out of 55,976 votes cast, in Monday’s election, beating Liberal Party candidate Kevin Gillies by nine per cent in what has historically been a safe Conservative Party riding.
“Thank you, Abbotsford–South Langley,” Gill said. “Being elected to represent you in the House of Commons is the privilege of a lifetime and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. To everyone who volunteered, put up a sign, or casted a vote — thank you. Your support means the world to me.”
Independent candidate Mike de Jong had campaigned for a year to be the Conservative Party candidate but was rejected by national Conservative Party brass. Unlike Gill, de Jong participated in candidates forums, and won endorsements from former MP Ed Fast and former Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun.
