In a significant prelude to the upcoming federal byelections, Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault estimates that nearly 38,000 votes were cast during the advanced polling days, which ran for four days starting last Friday. The byelection contests are taking place in three key ridings: Scarborough Southwest (Ontario), Terrebonne (Quebec), and University-Rosedale (Ontario).
According to preliminary figures, approximately 37,900 electors participated in the advanced polls. Notably, the turnout varied across the ridings, with the highest figures reported in Terrebonne, where 18,200 voters cast their ballots. Scarborough Southwest followed with 10,300 votes, while University-Rosedale recorded 9,400 votes. Elections Canada has emphasized that these numbers are estimates, as some polling stations may not have submitted their reports yet.
The Scarborough Southwest riding became vacant following the resignation of Bill Blair in February, who left his position to take on the role of Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom. Similarly, the University-Rosedale seat was opened up after Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in January to serve as an adviser to Ukraine and take on the role of CEO at the Rhodes Trust in Oxford University.
In addition, a byelection in Terrebonne, Quebec, is necessitated due to complications stemming from mail-in voting in a previous election. This situation arose when Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste was initially declared the winner; however, the results subsequently reversed in favor of Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné following a validation process. A judicial recount performed on May 10 ultimately concluded that the Liberals received one more vote than Sinclair-Desgagné. Nonetheless, Sinclair-Desgagné challenged these results after a supporter alleged that her mail-in ballot using a special ballot was never counted. On February 13, the Supreme Court sided with Sinclair-Desgagné and invalidated the previous election results.
As the Liberal Party has experienced several floor-crossings recently, their ability to secure two out of the three contested ridings in the upcoming byelections could pave the way for them to achieve a majority in the House of Commons. Both Toronto ridings have historically been strongholds for the Liberal Party.
The byelection is scheduled for April 13, as candidates prepare for what could be a significant electoral event in these pivotal ridings.
