The Conservative slide on election night was even felt in a Winnipeg riding many thought was one of their safest seats in Manitoba.
Charleswood-St James-Assiniboia-Headingley has a new MP-elect and even he admits to being a little surprised by the result.
“I was stunned for a moment,” said Doug Eyolfson. “I kind of blinked and my face went blank a little. And then I was just relieved."
Outgoing Conservative MP Steven Fletcher received a victor’s welcome from his supporters who chanted his name as he entered the room to address them.
After winning three consecutive terms, Fletcher couldn’t hold on to a fourth as he battled against a national tide of change.
He offered kind words to his rival during a phone call.
"I congratulated him and I wished him the best,” said Fletcher. “I offered my help in any of the transition that may be necessary."
Back at the victory party it was all smiles as people clamoured for photos with the winner.
Eyolfson has more than 20 years of experience as an emergency room physician.
His friends and supporters say the things he has seen in that job inspired him to run for office.
"He could stitch 'em up but he couldn't find a home for them. He couldn't help them to buy their prescriptions,” said supporter David Murray. “And he really wanted to make change in the community. Doug will carry those ideas to Ottawa."
Eyolfson says a visit by Justin Trudeau on the final campaign weekend cemented momentum in Winnipeg.
He introduced the Liberal leader at a large rally.
"And when I stepped up, just when I first started to speak, you could feel it,” said Eyolfson. “That room was full of people all just thrilled to be there. And that was really giving me a feeling that there was going to be good news today."
