Canadians in three key ridings are heading to the polls in federal by-elections that could determine whether Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals secure a majority government.
The vote comes nearly a year after the Liberals formed a minority government, falling just short of the 172-seat threshold required for a majority. Following a series of opposition defections in recent months, the party now holds 171 seats, putting it within striking distance of full parliamentary control.
At stake are two Ontario ridings—University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest—long considered Liberal strongholds, as well as the closely contested Terrebonne riding in Quebec. The Quebec seat has drawn particular attention after the Supreme Court invalidated the previous election result, forcing a rare redo vote.
In University-Rosedale, Liberal candidate Danielle Martin faces Conservative Don Hodgson and New Democrat Serena Purdy. In Scarborough Southwest, Doly Begum is contesting against Conservative Diana Filipova and NDP candidate Fatima Shaban. Meanwhile, in Terrebonne, Liberal Tatiana Auguste is competing against Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné and Conservative Adrienne Charles.
The Terrebonne race is further complicated by an unusually long ballot, with 48 candidates participating as part of a protest effort, prompting Elections Canada to implement write-in voting.
If the Liberals win at least one of the three seats, they could effectively command a majority in the House of Commons, though a tied vote would still require support from the Speaker. Winning multiple ridings would give the party stronger control over legislation and parliamentary committees.
The outcome could mark a turning point for Carney’s government, which has relied on cross-party cooperation to pass legislation since taking office. Polls remain open until 8:30 p.m. ET, with results expected later tonight.
