By Chris Simon

Victory seemed easy for Julia Munro last night.

The Progressive Conservative candidate defeated five other opponents, to become the York-Simcoe riding MPP during Wednesday's provincial election. Munro captured 19,170 votes, or 40.6 per cent of popular support, while Liberal Party candidate John Gilbank finished second with 12,784 votes, or 30.8 per cent support. Green Party candidate Jim Reeves earned 4,663 votes or 11.3 per cent of the popular support, New Democrat candidate Nancy Morrison received 4,204 votes or 10.1 per cent support, and Libertarian Party candidate Caley McKibbin earned 349 votes or .8 per cent support.

Family Coalition candidate Victor Carvalho received 297 votes, or .7 per cent support.

But Munro, a self-confessed worrier, says the grind of the month-long election campaign was tough.

"I always work hard, I never take anything for granted, but I was very fortunate to get such a great team of volunteers that came out and worked so well," she said.

Munro celebrated the victory with about 20 of her supporters at a Bradford restaurant. She arrived shortly after being declared the victor, the crowd cheering and whistling as she entered the establishment. Blue and white balloons, and matching 'Julia Munro'

signs decorated the restaurant.

A slight smile came upon Munro's face as she joined the party.

Munro says she can still be an effective member of provincial parliament, despite her party's official opposition status. The Liberals were reelected to govern the province, earning 71 seats, compared the Conservative total of 26. The NDP earned 10 seats. PC leader John Tory also lost his Toronto riding, being defeated by Liberal education minister Kathleen Wynne. The defeat means Tory won't have a seat in the provincial legislature.

"This is a united caucus," said Munro. "You will see some strength in keeping the government accountable."

The Conservatives will work towards passing legislation ensuring the health of Lake Simcoe. They'll also try to help reduce highway gridlock and increase the number of practicing doctors in the region.

"The most important thing is to advocate on behalf of the constituents of this riding," said Munro. "The two issues that seem to be of the utmost importance to area voters are the complexity around gridlock and shortage of doctors. There's progress to be made in terms of (the) lake and sewage treatment."

Although Liberal candidate Aileen Carroll won her Barrie riding, Munro was part of a wave of area seats won by the Conservatives.

Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees, Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson and Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop were all reelected under the Conservative banner.

Munro has served as MPP for York North since 1995, and had several roles in government including parliamentary assistant to the premier, the management board and ministries of transportation and culture.

She's also served on a public accounts committee, which reviews government appointments and agencies such as the LCBO and Hydro One.

The York-Simcoe riding was established prior to last night's election, and includes an area stretching from Georgina to Innisfil.

For more coverage of the provincial election, read next week's edition of The Scope.