Today marks the start of voting in important byelections across Canada, with three federal ridings up for grabs. One of the key races is happening in North Vancouver-Capilano, where voters will decide on a new representative to replace former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson. In a separate election in the Toronto riding of Beaches-East York, another former cabinet minister, Nate Erskine-Smith, will be replaced.
Meanwhile, a closely watched race is unfolding in rural Quebec, where Conservative Richard Martel vacated his Chicoutimi-Le Fjord seat to move to the Senate. Martel’s previous victory in a tight three-way contest in 2025 is being closely scrutinized as voters head to the polls. McGill University political science professor Daniel Béland suggests that the outcome in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord could impact the perception of Pierre Poilievre’s leadership within the Conservative party.
