Conservative Ted Opitz has been confirmed the winner of the Etobicoke Centre riding, beating Liberal incumbent Borys Wrzesnewskyj in a recount by just 26 votes.

Elections Canada officials, lawyers, recount teams, campaign teams and scrutineers began recounting the more than 52,000 ballots Wednesday, sometimes working 14-hour days, before it was confirmed Sunday that Opitz's first run at politics was a successful one.

"It's time to get to work," Opitz said. "And we have a lot to do in this riding."

The final count was 21,644 votes for Opitz and 21,618 for Wrznesnewskyj. Both candidates gained 17 votes during the recount, which was automatically called because the margin of victory was less than a thousandth of the total votes cast.

The three-term Liberal couldn't hide his disappointment, but said it was an honour to have served.

Wrzenewskyj also said he believes hand counting is outdated and that he'd like to see votes cast over the internet to ensure speedy results.