Ontario Election 2011 Liberals Win Ontario Election The Liberals have won the 2011 Ontario election, but their loss of 17 seats has turned them into a minority government, and there is no question that their political mandate has been substantially weakened. By Adrian Duyzer

Published October 06, 2011

The Liberals have won the 2011 Ontario election, but their loss of 17 seats has turned them into a minority government, and there is no question that their political mandate has been substantially weakened.

The Liberals have been elected in 53 ridings, but a majority government - which requires 54 seats - is outside McGuinty's grasp. The Liberals headed into the election with 70 seats, so they have lost 17 MPPs. Those 17 MPPs include Hamilton Mountain incumbent Sophia Aggelonitis, who was defeated by the NDP's Monique Taylor.

Andrea Horwath was re-elected in Hamilton Centre, and she improved her party's standing from 10 MPPs to 17. Her colleague Paul Miller was re-elected in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

Tim Hudak was re-elected in Niagara West-Glanbrook. Hudak, who was criticized for campaign stumbles including claiming a Liberal program to help new Canadians find jobs was for "foreign workers", increased his party's seat count from 25 to 37.

Many pollsters predicted a Liberal minority government, and they were correct. What does a Liberal-led minority government mean for Hamilton?

The answer to that question, of course, lies with the NDP. Hamilton is accustomed to being overlooked, in part because our local representatives are often from non-governing parties. If Andrea Horwath's support is required to maintain McGuinty's hold on power, perhaps Hamilton will benefit from her raised profile and her firm backing of key local projects like light rail transit.

On the other hand, the loss of Sophia Aggelonitis means Hamilton loses a cabinet minister, and there is no guarantee that McMeekin is heading back to cabinet.

One thing is certain: parliamentary attendance is going to be crucial in the years ahead. In many cases a single vote will be crucial, and we can expect a tumultuous term.

This article has been updated to reflect the final seat counts.

Adrian Duyzer is an entrepreneur, business owner, and Associate Editor of Raise the Hammer. He lives in downtown Hamilton with his family. On Twitter: adriandz

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