"History is only written once, tonight we are rewriting it.”
The Canadian Fitness Industry now has an inside man.
In a stunningly tight race, where voting went into the early hours of the morning. Gabriel Hardy, Executive Director of Fitness Industry Canada, and the Conservative Party candidate, clinched the victory in the 2025 federal election in Montmorency–Charlevoix in what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent Quebec history.
Hardy led his campaign with heart – knocking on doors, meeting his constituents, and listening – the leadership style he has employed in bringing his own business life, and at the helm of the Canadian fitness industry.
His win offers key lessons for political strategists, fitness industry leaders, and anyone interested in grassroots campaigning – and is a testimonial to an ever-present theme in fitness.
Hard work pays off.
A Riding Poised for Change
Montmorency–Charlevoix, a newly redrawn federal riding, replaced the former Beauport-Côte-de-Beaupré-Île d’Orléans-Charlevoix and was widely expected to remain in Bloc Québécois hands. Incumbent Caroline Desbiens enjoyed strong name recognition and, for most of election night, a commanding lead of more than 2,000 votes. Early projections from media outlets and even the Bloc’s own communications declared her the winner shortly after 10 p.m.
But as the night wore on, the political wind shifted.
The Anatomy of a Comeback
Hardy’s campaign, while initially seen as an underdog effort, was built on a foundation of relentless ground work.
Hardy, well-known in Quebec’s fitness and wellness community through his leadership at FICDN, his powerful advocacy work–particularly during the pandemic – and his determination to be a voice for not only the Quebec and Canadian fitness industries, but for small businesses–leveraged his deep local connections and reputation for advocacy.
He spent months meeting with organizations, business owners, and local leaders, emphasizing his commitment to representing the riding’s interests in Ottawa
As results from more rural and conservative-leaning sectors started to come in, Desbiens’ lead began to shrink. By 1:00 a.m., Hardy had overtaken her, leading by nearly 1,000 votes – a stunning reversal that left both parties and pundits scrambling to reassess the race’s outcome.
“I started my campaign saying that history is written only once. I think tonight, we’re rewriting it,” Hardy remarked during the tense final hours of ballot counting.
What Powered Hardy’s Win?
Several factors contributed to Hardy’s unexpected victory:
- Grassroots Mobilization: Hardy’s campaign focused on direct engagement, attending community events, and listening to constituents’ concerns. This approach resonated deeply with many voters.
- Fitness Industry Leadership: Hardy’s background as Executive Director of FIC gave him credibility among business owners, health professionals, and active living advocates. He positioned himself as a champion for small businesses and wellness-key issues in a riding with a strong tourism and recreation sector.
- Strategic Targeting: The Conservative campaign identified and mobilized voters in sectors historically underrepresented in previous elections. As ballots from these areas were counted late in the evening, they proved to be decisive.
- Desire for Change: Hardy sensed and capitalized on a “wind of change” blowing through the riding. Many voters were looking for new representation, particularly after years of Bloc Québécois dominance.
Election Night Suspense
According to those close to the action, the tension on election night was palpable. Even as Hardy pulled ahead, the result was not immediately confirmed. Three polling stations remained uncounted, and the official call was delayed until the very last ballots were tallied.
At one point, Elections Canada suspended the counting of special ballots until the next morning, prolonging the suspense and highlighting just how close – and consequential – the race had become.
By dawn, with nearly all polling stations reporting, Hardy’s lead was secure. He finished with 34.7% of the vote, narrowly edging out Desbiens’ 33.5%. The final margin-less than 800 votes-underscored the importance of every single ballot and the effectiveness of Hardy’s ground game.
Implications for the Fitness Industry and Beyond
Hardy’s win is significant not just for the Conservative Party, but also for Quebec’s fitness and wellness sector, and the future of the Canadian fitness industry. As Executive Director of FIC, Hardy has long advocated for policies supporting physical activity, small business growth, and community health. His election to Parliament gives the industry a direct voice at the federal level and signals the growing political influence of health and wellness advocates in Canada.
For fitness professionals and entrepreneurs, Hardy’s victory demonstrates the power of community engagement and the importance of building broad coalitions – both in business and politics. His campaign’s success was rooted in the same principles that drive effective fitness leadership: listening, motivating, and delivering results.
Looking Ahead
Hardy’s upset victory in Montmorency–Charlevoix, and his rise to Canadian federal politics, is a case study in perseverance, strategic outreach, and the unpredictable nature of elections!
As he prepares to take his seat in the House of Commons, Hardy has pledged to focus on representing his constituents’ interests and championing the causes that matter most to them. And, beyond a doubt, the fitness and health sectors will be positively impacted by having his voice and his powerful ideas in Ottawa!
For the fitness industry and the broader business community, his ascent from executive director of FIC to Member of Parliament is a powerful reminder: with the right mix of vision, hard work, and connection to the grassroots, even the most entrenched political landscapes can be transformed.
Congratulations Gabriel Hardy.
