The leader of the Northern Ontario Party says he's not deterred, despite his party being shut out in the provincial election.
Trevor Holliday, who finished fifth in Nipissing, says he sees the election as a stepping stone.
"Am I surprised? Not really," he told BayToday.
The rookie politician says he's happy with the result given the team he had and the time he had to commit.
"Not being able to participate in all events, working and campaigning is another struggle that small parties have to deal with."
Holliday was referring to the fact he was not invited to participate in the Chamber of Commerce/Cogeco all candidates debate.
He's now looking forward to 2022.
"I've been at this maybe two years so to come as far as we have in just two years, it's unthinkable what we'll be doing in the next election."
As far as his future is concerned, Holliday says he'll stay on if the party wants him.
"That will be up to the membership. I don't plan on stepping down or anything. Of course, I'm the type, I always ask member's opinion and if the membership wants me to stay on as leader I'll continue on."
Locally, Holliday was expecting a better showing by the NDP.
"It's a hard PC riding through and through so I'm not surprised but I thought it would be a lot closer race between Fedeli and Giroux."
And he admits to being "scared" at the prospect of a Doug Ford majority.
"There's no platform costed out so he's not committed to any promises he's made so it's pretty much a 'wait and see what happens' over the next four years."
