Voters in the Lakeside constituency have sent incumbent Conservative Ralph Eichler back to the legislature, after last night's provincial election.

His party won 36 seats, to 18 for the NDP, and three for the Liberals. Eichler feels it shows Manitobans want them to continue on the same path.

"And give us a new mandate, which they've done," he says. "So what we've started, we'll be able to finish, and bring that ship in and be able to land it smoothly, and still be able to maintain our integrity, and not have to raise taxes as well. So it's a tough task, but certainly, one that people want us to continue on."

Eichler acknowledges they have to deal with some challenges over the next four years.

"Continuing on the path to make sure we fix our finances," he says. "And do it in a way that's still sustainable, but healthcare is still one of the number one issues. On the agricultural side, we're very pleased to be able to say that we're moving along, not a quick as we want as well. But certainly, we're on a path of more value-added."

Lakeside Votes
*Ralph Eichler (PC) - 6394 - WINNER
Dan Rugg (NDP) - 2054
Ilsa Regelsky (LIB) - 854

Here are the links to the other ridings in our listening area:

Manitoba & Portage la Prairie

Agassiz

Interlake-Gimli

Midland