Bryon Wilfert is congratulated by Carol Jin at his Sheraton Parkway victory party.

Within a few short, emotional hours, Liberal candidate Bryon Wilfert went from his ailing mother’s bedside to a podium at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel celebrating his victory this election night.

Elected for the fifth straight federal election, Mr. Wilfert won by what has become his customary 50 per cent of Richmond Hill votes cast.

It seems his victory was never in question, but whether he would be able to personally celebrate the win with his supporters remained in doubt most of the night.

But an improvement in his mother’s health at Markham Stouffville Hospital led to Mr. Wilfert celebrating both personally and professionally.

“My victory is a victory for Richmond Hill residents and it is not what you do on election night, but what you accomplish between elections that counts,” said Wilfert, adding “voters have recognized our efforts.”

As for another Conservative government holding the reins in Ottawa, Mr. Wilfert says he plans to keep Prime Minister Harper an honest man.

“I will make sure to keep Stephen Harper’s feet to the fire in the Legislature. You can all take solace in the fact that we will have a strong opposition,” he told cheering supporters.

Mr. Wilfert’s first order of business following tonight’s victory party will be one with which all Richmond Hill residents - no matter their political views can identify.

Mr. Wilfert and his wife Elizabeth will spend tomorrow cleaning up after the party and collecting election road signs.
   Adam Mc Lean, Staff Writer