OTTAWA — Liberal MP Bruce Fanjoy proudly showcases a spray-painted pair of sneakers in a square glass case in his office, calling it his “Stanley Cup.” These sneakers represent his hard work during the campaign for the federal election, which resulted in his victory over Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, a significant defeat considering Poilievre had represented the riding of Carleton for more than twenty years.

In a reflection of the community’s excitement, Fanjoy stated, “I think people in Carleton are excited about what happened. Even if people didn’t vote for me, they’re curious to meet me.” His campaign was marked by nearly two years of engaging with community members, during which he wore out two pairs of shoes and a pair of winter boots. Fanjoy emphasized that this engagement will continue even after the election, pledging to canvass through the winter. While door-knocking, he discusses government initiatives and listens to constituents' issues, which include concerns about affordability, immigration, and public service changes.

Fanjoy expressed his view on the transition from campaigning to governance by saying, “I tell people that (the election) was act one and act one is over. We’re on act two now and that is to do as much good with this opportunity as we can.” He clarified that his goal was never just to defeat Poilievre but to serve both the country and the citizens of Carleton.

Despite the campaign's conclusion, Fanjoy mentioned he still encounters “trolls” on social media, noting, “I think that, in their own way, people who have tried to knock me down have lifted me up because they couldn’t knock me down.” He referenced a post from 2024 on his social media, where he responded to skeptics about his chances against Poilievre, stating simply, “Watch me.” Fanjoy aims to maintain a positive presence online, countering the “toxicity” that can accompany political discussions.

When asked about Poilievre's recent return to Parliament after winning a by-election in Alberta's rural riding of Battle River—Crowfoot, Fanjoy commented, “That’s our democracy. It’s imperfect.” He criticized Poilievre for allegedly not learning from his defeat in Carleton, asserting that Poilievre “has learned nothing” and is now ignoring his new constituents in Battle River—Crowfoot.

Fanjoy holds a particular passion for his role on the House of Commons standing committee on environment and sustainable development. He is committed to maximizing his efforts to support residents in his riding, emphasizing that service has always been a driving theme in his life. “Service has been a constant theme in my life,” said Fanjoy, who has a background in sales and marketing. “It’s core to who I am, being of service and seeing a situation and looking for ways that I can help. So, we’re doing that.”

This report highlights the journey and aspirations of Bruce Fanjoy since his election victory in December 2025, indicating his determination to serve the people of Carleton while maintaining a strong presence in both his community and the wider political landscape.