Dr. Danielle Martin, a family physician and health care advocate, has been announced as the Liberal candidate for the University-Rosedale riding in an upcoming federal by-election intended to replace Chrystia Freeland. The exact date of the by-election has not yet been determined.
Dr. Martin possesses over two decades of experience in family medicine, during which she has not only cared for patients but also advised government bodies on health care policy and worked actively to enhance Canada's public health care system. Her leadership roles include serving as the Executive Vice-President at Women’s College Hospital and heading the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, recognized as the largest academic department of family medicine globally.
In a notable moment in her career, Dr. Martin gained national and international attention in 2014 when she appeared before a U.S. Senate subcommittee. Her impactful testimonies regarding Canada’s public health care system resonated widely, showcasing her advocacy for Canadian health care. In 2019, she was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the medical field, becoming the youngest recipient of the F.N.G. Starr Award from the Canadian Medical Association—the organization’s highest honor.
Commenting on the announcement, Sachit Mehra, President of the Liberal Party of Canada, emphasized Dr. Martin's commitment to improving health care for Canadian families. He contrasted her approach with that of Pierre Poilievre, suggesting that while Poilievre opts for divisive political strategies that Canadians rejected in the previous spring elections, Dr. Martin is prepared to collaborate with Mark Carney and the new Liberal team to foster a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for the University-Rosedale constituency.
Freeland officially resigned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Toronto riding on January 9, 2026, to accept a new voluntary advisory role with the Ukrainian government. She has represented University-Rosedale for over a decade after first being elected in 2015, and she consistently secured re-election in subsequent years: 2019, 2021, and 2025, where she garnered an impressive 64 percent of the vote.
According to the Canada Elections Act, a writ must be issued between 11 and 180 days following the Speaker of the House of Commons notifying Elections Canada of a vacancy. Though no date has been confirmed for the by-election, it is anticipated that the earliest it could take place is in March 2026.
The University-Rosedale riding is generally regarded as a secure seat for the Liberal Party, which is currently two seats short of achieving a majority in the House of Commons following Freeland's departure. As Dr. Martin prepares to run for this seat, her extensive background in health policy and community advocacy is expected to play a significant role in her campaign.
