Provincial byelections called for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, two other ridings

Provincial byelections were called Wednesday morning in three Ontario voting districts, including one in the Hamilton area.

A writ was issued under Section 9.1 of the Election Act for byelections in the electoral districts of Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, Scarborough Southwest and York—Simcoe.

Under the Election Act, elections must be called on a Wednesday and held the fifth Thursday after the date of the issue of the writ.

Voting day will be Sept. 3.

Why the byelections are happening

Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Neil Lumsden officially retired on Aug. 4. He also served as minister of sport in Premier Doug Ford’s Conservative cabinet.

York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney, also with the provincial Conservative Party, resigned.

Meanwhile, Scarborough Southwest NDP MPP Doly Begum left Queen’s Park after winning a federal seat.

The candidates

Former Hamilton MPP Monique Taylor announced on July 29 that she will run for the provincial NDP once again, this time in the riding of Hamilton East—Stoney Creek.

Progressive Conservative Jeff Beatie, Greens’ candidate Pascale Marchand and Liberal member Heino Doessing have also entered the byelection race for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek.

Scarborough Southwest is anticipated to be the most competitive riding.

READ MORE: Former MPP Monique Taylor joins running for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek seat