Liberal’s election win ends Poilievre’s Carleton reign

How Bruce Fanjoy toppled Poilievre in a historic Carleton election upset

Bruce Fanjoy has taken over as the Liberal MP for Carleton after defeating Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the last election. The win marked a major shift in the riding, long held by Poilievre before his move to Alberta. Now, Fanjoy is focusing on serving his community while navigating the challenges of political life.

Poilievre, after his loss in Carleton, secured a seat in the rural Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot through a by-election. Meanwhile, Fanjoy remains critical of his predecessor, claiming Poilievre has 'learned nothing from his defeat' and is neglecting his new constituents.

Fanjoy’s path to office was built on persistence. For nearly two years before the election, he walked door-to-door, meeting residents until he wore out two pairs of shoes and a set of winter boots. His efforts paid off when he unseated Poilievre, a high-profile Conservative figure.

In his Ottawa office, a spray-painted pair of sneakers—his so-called 'Stanley Cup'—serves as a reminder of that victory. But the job hasn’t been without its difficulties. Fanjoy still faces online harassment from 'trolls' yet chooses to stay positive, despite what he describes as the 'toxicity' in political discussions. His priorities as an MP are clear: helping residents with everyday issues. He plans to keep canvassing, explaining government policies, and addressing concerns like affordability and immigration. Beyond local work, he’s also active on the House of Commons standing committee on environment and sustainable development, a role he cares deeply about. Fanjoy views his election as just the beginning—'act one'—with his current work as 'act two'. Before politics, he worked as a cameraman on the 2024 documentary This Is the Zodiac Speaking, a project tied to the infamous Zodiac Killer case. Now, his focus remains on service, a theme that has shaped his career.

Fanjoy’s victory in Carleton ended Poilievre’s long hold on the riding, pushing the Conservative leader to seek a new seat in Alberta. As Fanjoy settles into his role, he continues to engage with constituents, tackle local issues, and contribute to environmental policy discussions. His approach blends persistence with a commitment to staying connected—both online and in person—despite the challenges of modern political discourse.