N.S. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill loses seat to PC candidate by just 14 votes

Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill (right) and PC candidate Nick Hilton (left) are seen together in Yarmouth on Nov. 27, 2024. (CTV/Jonathan MacInnis)

It appears Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill has lost his seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton – by just 14 votes.

Churchill and Hilton were neck-in-neck on election night and were even tied for votes at one point. Elections Nova Scotia completed the vote count for the Yarmouth riding Wednesday morning.

According to Elections Nova Scotia, Hilton earned 3,663 votes while Churchill snagged 3,649.

“I’m feeling grateful for the amount of years I’ve been able to serve this community,” Churchill told CTV News Wednesday.

Churchill noted there was some irregularities in Yarmouth’s poll numbers Tuesday night. He says he would like to understand what happened, but acknowledged it likely won’t change the outcome.

“Good teams win close games and certainly Mr. Hilton's team were strong and they won a close one,” he said.

As for a recount, Churchill says his party will “keep that option open.”

“Again, with recognizing that it most likely will not change the outcome, but certainly want to understand why there were irregularities in reporting and get some clarity on that,” he said.

Yarmouth resident Marlene Hazelton says she was surprised Churchill lost his seat, noting he has been a well-respected figure in the community for a long time.

“I believe people are voting for the party and not the candidate,” said Hazelton.

“I think people are tired of Trudeau and they figure a Liberal vote is a vote for Trudeau.”

Churchill not only lost his riding Tuesday night – the Liberals also lost opposition status to the NDP, dropping down to just two seats in the legislature.

The Liberal leader isn’t sure what the future holds for him at this time. For now, he’s focused on transitioning his office and party.

“Making sure that the party is set up to move forward and then I'll be taking it from there after Christmas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hilton says he would also like some clarity on the numbers in his riding.

“We knew there was an issue with the numbers, both parties did,” said Hilton.

“We knew that to have over 10,000 people vote was highly unlikely, so we were waiting for some clarity on those. I think it's important for people to have faith in the election system.”

Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservatives secured a second majority government by a landslide, picking up 43 of the province’s 55 seats.

The NDP now hold nine seats in the legislature while the Liberals have dropped to just two seats. There is also one independent seat, held by incumbent Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin in Cumberland North.

More to come…

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