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Election Day, it appears, pretty much unfolded as the pollsters said it would.

After a 36-day election campaign, countless knocks on doors from canvassing candidates, community forums and debates, the next Canadian Parliament is going to look much like the last one.

Stephen Harper's Conservatives maintained their voter base in the west, struggled for a few gains in Ontario, and though they were again shut out in the 416 area they will lead a more muscular minority government.

The Liberals, meanwhile, can take some solace in the fact that at least they weren't sent entirely out to pasture by voters as indicated by early polls in this election campaign.

Now, however, the talk must turn to action. We call on the Prime Minister Harper to make good on his word and govern all of Canada with this new mandate.

Toronto is sending newly elected MPs of different political stripes to represent them in Ottawa. We can't emphasize enough the need to set aside the ugly partisanship that was a hallmark of the last days of the previous government and which was seen too often by voters at campaign stops along the way.

We call on Conservatives, Liberals, and New Democrats to work hard together with a view to making life better for all Canadians. That will require some doing among the members who will form the next Parliament.

Cities, and especially Toronto, are looking to this government to find some footing and address the critical needs of Canada's urban centres. That means infrastructure improvements, more investments and the forming of new partnerships for transit improvements in urban centres, more support for immigrants in terms of settlement and more programs for foreign trained professionals to recognize their credentials and put them to work in their chosen fields of endeavour.

It means addressing, more fully, the economy and using all the levers at government's disposal to ease the burden and provide some hope and stability for ordinary Canadians.

It means creating the conditions for growth and prosperity, giving Canadians who need it a hand up, and helping those in transition.

It means leading by consensus, not by dividing and conquering. It means creating policy that is driven by human needs and not ideological goals.

We appeal to returning and new Toronto MPs to bring your voices to Ottawa on behalf of the city. Resist the pull of insider politics. Help the government shape strong, prudent policies for Canadian taxpayers while also representing the interests of constituents at home.

The job won't be easy. But Toronto voters have cast their ballots and are sending each of you to Ottawa with their best intentions and high expectations.

Get to work. Find ways to move forward and address the issues Canadians are facing. But never forget Toronto.