DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: Laurie Scott secured another decisive victory, for the Progressive Conservatives, in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock (HKLB), in the 2025 Ontario provincial election, earning her seventh term in office. Ms. Scott claimed 51.9 percent of the riding’s vote, in the February 27th election, maintaining her stronghold in the traditionally conservative district.
The longtime local MPP’s win was among the earliest to be declared by CBC, as she held a commanding lead over her closest rivals, Alison Bennie of the Ontario Liberal Party and Barbara Doyle of the NDP, who finished a distant second and third, respectively.
According to Elections Ontario, with all polls reporting by 10:58 p.m., Laurie Scott's margin of victory stood at 14,818 votes. She received 26,506 total votes, while Alison Bennie garnered 11,688 (22.91 percent), and Barbara Doyle trailed with 6,993 (13.7 percent). Green Party candidate, Tom Regina finished fourth with 2,602 votes (5.1 percent).
Among other candidates, Jacquie Barker (New Blue Party) secured 1,223 votes, Brian Kerr (Ontario Party) 926, Gene Balfour (Independent) 426, Zachary Tisdale (Libertarian) 385, and Bill Denby (Freedom Party) 278.
Voter turnout in HKLB was recorded at 48.91 per cent, a slight increase from 48.14 per cent in the 2022 election. A total of 51,027 out of 104,325 registered electors cast a ballot.
Speaking to supporters in Lindsay, on election night, Ms. Scott expressed gratitude for, once again, being chosen to represent the riding at Queen’s Park.
“[I'm] Always very happy to apply for the job and get the results. I love representing my riding,” Ms. Scott said.
Liberal candidate Alison Bennie, who surprised many by finishing second, expressed pride in her campaign’s performance.
“I really am speechless… I said, if I got over 1,000 votes I’d be happy,” Ms. Bennie stated. “One of the reasons I ran was because, I didn’t want to see the party go downhill to nothing in this riding. I spoke to a lot of people and provided a different choice, I’m not your standard, polished person. I’m more, ‘let’s get together and work this out,’ a bit of an underdog, and I think that resonated with people.”
Ms. Doyle, who also ran in 2022, said, she sensed a shift in voter sentiment.
“The day-to-day affordability was really what people were talking about… things felt different than 2022. So many people told me they’re voting NDP for the first time ever,” Ms. Doyle explained to The Standard.
The HKLB riding was created in 1999, from portions of Victoria—Haliburton, Durham East, Durham—York, and Hastings—Peterborough. Originally named Haliburton—Victoria—Brock, it encompassed Victoria County, most of Haliburton County, and several townships. In 2007, it was renamed Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, hence HKLB, following Victoria County’s rebranding as the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The riding has traditionally been a PC stronghold, with the notable exception of 2009 to 2011, when Liberal MPP Rick Johnson won a by-election, after Ms. Scott vacated her seat to allow then-PC leader John Tory to contest a spot at Queen’s Park.
Commentaires