Key Byelections in Toronto and Quebec: Liberals Aim for Majority Government
The Prime Minister has announced byelections in the Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, as well as the Quebec riding of Terrebonne. These races are crucial for the Liberals to secure a slim majority government. The byelections are scheduled for April 13, with candidates vying to replace Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, who have vacated their seats for other roles.
In University-Rosedale, family physician Dr. Danielle Martin will run for the Liberals, while former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum will run in Scarborough Southwest, a surprising move that has caused some controversy within the NDP. Serena Purdy and Fatima Shaban will run for the NDP in University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, respectively. The Conservatives have yet to announce their candidates for the byelections.
With the Liberals currently holding 169 seats in the House of Commons, they need to win at least 172 seats for a majority government. The Terrebonne riding in Quebec is expected to be the most closely watched race, following a Supreme Court decision to annul the 2025 federal election result in that riding due to a mail-in ballot error. Liberal Tatiana Auguste and Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné will face off once again in this contentious race.
These byelections will be crucial for the Liberals to secure a majority government, making them high-stakes races for all parties involved. The outcome of these races could have a significant impact on the balance of power in the House of Commons.