- Pierre Poilievre loses Carleton seat after nearly 20 years as MP.
- Liberal Bruce Fanjoy wins with over 50% of the vote.
- Poilievre pledges to stay on as Conservative leader.
- Carleton had the highest voter turnout in eastern Ontario.
- A record 91 candidates contested the riding.
Pierre Poilievre Loses Carleton Seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy in Major Election Upset
In one of the most unexpected outcomes of the 2025 Canadian federal election, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre Loses Carleton Seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy | 2025 Election Result. Poilievre lost his long-held Carleton seat in Ottawa to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. The result was announced early morning, with Fanjoy securing 50.8% of the vote. This was an upset that marks the end of Poilievre’s 20-year tenure as an MP in this 2025 election result.
This defeat not only stunned political observers but also altered the balance in Ottawa. Carleton was the only riding to witness an incumbent’s loss. The riding saw a record-breaking 81.6% voter turnout, with more than 44,000 early votes cast. This signaled a highly mobilized and motivated electorate.
Context & Deeper Insights: Why Did This Happen?
Pierre Poilievre’s loss is not just about one riding—it reflects a broader political sentiment. Despite national gains for the Conservatives, including over 20 new seats and a higher vote share, the leader’s personal defeat is symbolic. Carleton, once considered a conservative stronghold, showed growing grassroots momentum from Liberal supporters. There was also an unusually crowded ballot of 91 candidates due to electoral reform protests.
Political analysts suggest that local frustrations, demographic shifts, and a strong Liberal ground campaign contributed to the upset. Liberal Bruce Fanjoy, a business executive and community leader, resonated with voters by emphasizing unity, economic fairness, and community-driven progress. This is reflected in the 2025 election result where Pierre Poilievre loses his seat.
Expert Insight: According to data analysts at CBC News, high advance polling figures often signal shifts in traditional voting patterns. This trend played out in Carleton.
The Aftershock: What This Means for Poilievre and Canada
This election result has created a ripple effect within the Conservative Party. While Poilievre congratulated his party for broader gains, losing his own seat raises questions about his leadership moving forward. The coming weeks will be critical as party insiders evaluate his standing after the major 2025 election result.
Bruce Fanjoy’s win may signal a shift in how Canadians view leadership. Not just at the federal level, but within their local communities. Voters appeared to reward authenticity, accessibility, and fresh ideas over political legacy.
“As your new Member of Parliament, I’ll work to bring us together,” Fanjoy posted on X.
“We are all Canadians. We must take care of each other.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Mark Carney successfully formed a minority government, giving the party its fourth consecutive mandate. Fanjoy’s victory played a small but symbolic role in that larger narrative.
Takeaway: Why This Matters More Than Ever
Pierre Poilievre’s loss in Carleton isn’t just a headline—it’s a wake-up call for parties across Canada. The story speaks volumes about voter expectations, local engagement, and the growing desire for political change. As the dust settles after the 2025 election result, Canadians are left with an important question: what kind of leadership do we truly want?
