Today, voters are heading to the polls for three provincial byelections in Ontario, and at least one of these races is expected to be competitive.
Candidates have mentioned that ongoing provincial issues like health care, education, and cost of living were frequently discussed while they went door-to-door, but many voters are also concerned about the trade conflict with the United States.
Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives aim to retain two seats, while the New Democrats are looking to keep hold of the third seat.
A close contest is anticipated in Hamilton-Stoney Creek following Conservative Neil Lumsden’s retirement last August.
Scarborough Southwest will likely see a clash between the New Democrats and Liberals, while York-Simcoe is predicted to remain under Progressive Conservative control after Caroline Mulroney stepped down.
The polls opened at 9 a. m. and will close at 9 p. m.
A voting sign is shown here on the door of a polling station in Scarborough Southwest. (Muriel Draaisma/CBC)
Scarborough Southwest became available when Doly Begum, an NDP MPP, resigned to run for federal Liberals in her riding. She secured victory in a federal byelection held back in April.
NDP’s Fatima Shaban, known for her community advocacy, is competing against Liberal candidate Ahsanul Hafiz, who runs 30 Domino’s pizza locations, as well as PC candidate Noor Tarun.
Hafiz won his party’s nomination race over former MP Nate Erskine-Smith, who was planning to run for party leadership.
Two byelections needed for cabinet positions
York-Simcoe became open after Caroline Mulroney, a Progressive Conservative MPP and past Treasury Board president, resigned from politics in June because she wanted to start a new chapter in her life.
PC candidate Susan Lahey, who serves as an East Gwillimbury town councillor, will compete against Liberal Naomi Davison and NDP’s Bobby Nikmard in this riding.
The Hamilton East-Stoney Creek seat opened up when Neil Lumsden retired from politics earlier this August; he was previously a Progressive Conservative MPP and Ontario’s minister of sport.
Jeff Beattie, a long-time city councillor has stepped up as the Conservative candidate there. He is expected to face tough competition from NDP’s Monique Taylor and Liberal Heino Doessing.
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