As the political landscape shifts, two prominent members of Parliament have resigned, paving the way for several impending by-elections in Quebec and Ontario. Richard Martel and Nate Erskine-Smith’s departures signal not just a change in representation for their constituents but also a broader trend, as multiple MPs from key parties prepare to vacate their seats in the House of Commons for various reasons.
Resignations Shake Up the Commons
On Tuesday, Richard Martel, the Conservative MP for Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, stepped down after accepting an appointment to the Senate from Prime Minister Mark Carney. Martel’s political career began with a by-election win in 2018, and he secured his latest victory in April 2025 with a narrow margin of approximately 1,500 votes over his Bloc Québécois and Liberal competitors.
Meanwhile, Nate Erskine-Smith, who recently expressed his intention to pursue the Ontario Liberal Party leadership, has also resigned. Initially preparing to challenge Premier Doug Ford in the upcoming provincial elections, Erskine-Smith encountered difficulties securing a nomination for a by-election in Scarborough, which ultimately led to his decision to step away from federal politics. In the 2025 election, he had garnered an impressive 67 per cent of the vote.
Other Notable Departures
Beyond these two, several other MPs are expected to leave their positions, necessitating further by-elections across the country.
Jonathan Wilkinson, a former cabinet minister during the Trudeau administration, announced his resignation on June 19 after being appointed as Canada’s ambassador to the European Union. His latest win in North Vancouver-Capilano marked his fourth term, during which he achieved nearly 60 per cent of the vote.
In Saskatchewan, Cathay Wagantall disclosed her plans to resign from her seat in Yorkton-Melville, effective August 31. First elected in 2015, Wagantall won her most recent election with a commanding 77 per cent of the vote, and the Conservatives have already selected a candidate for the forthcoming by-election.
Shifts in Quebec Politics
Quebec’s political scene is also undergoing significant changes. Alexandre Boulerice, the sole NDP MP in the province, has announced his intention to transition to provincial politics, running for Québec Solidaire. Although he has yet to resign his parliamentary seat, Boulerice has expressed his commitment to stepping down before the fall election, which is mandated to be called by October. His recent electoral victory saw him achieving 41 per cent of the vote, ten points ahead of the Liberal challenger.
Additionally, Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay has indicated a similar shift. After resigning from the Bloc Québécois caucus to pursue a candidacy under the Parti Québécois, he rejoined his former party on the same day he resigned from Parliament. Savard-Tremblay had previously won his seat by a significant ten-point margin in April 2025.
The Implications of Political Vacancies
The resignations and impending by-elections will undoubtedly reshape the political dynamics in various regions. The prime minister is required to call a by-election within a window of 11 to 180 days following a seat vacancy, with the actual voting date likely falling between 47 days and seven months after the resignation.
These shifts not only reflect individual career trajectories but also signal potential changes in party strategy and voter sentiment. The political climate is fluid, and the outcomes of these by-elections could have lasting repercussions for the parties involved, particularly for the Liberals and Conservatives as they navigate leadership changes and policy shifts.
Why it Matters
The upcoming by-elections are a critical juncture for Canadian politics, marking a period of transformation that could influence the balance of power in the House of Commons. As MPs depart for new opportunities, voters will have the chance to choose representatives who align with their values and priorities. This cycle of change underscores the importance of staying engaged in the democratic process, as each election shapes the future direction of governance in Canada.
