Advance Voting Begins in Toronto-St. Paul’s Federal By Election
Toronto, June 14, 2024 – Advance voting has commenced today for the federal byelection in Toronto-St. Paul’s, a riding that has garnered significant attention due to the unprecedented number of candidates on the ballot. With 84 contenders, this byelection marks the highest number of candidates in a single riding in Canadian history.
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of long-serving Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett, who stepped down in December after 26 years of representing the riding. Bennett has since been appointed as Canada’s ambassador to Denmark.
Toronto-St. Paul’s riding encompasses an area from Dupont Street in the south to Eglinton Avenue in the north, and from Dufferin Street in the west to Mount Pleasant Road in the east. The race features candidates from major political parties as well as numerous independents and lesser-known party representatives.
Among the prominent candidates, Leslie Church is running for the Liberal Party, aiming to retain the seat for the Liberals. Church has a background in political staffing, having served as chief of staff to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Representing the Conservative Party is Don Stewart, an engineer and employee at the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. The NDP has fielded Amrit Parhar, a community organizer, while the Green Party’s candidate is Christian Cullis, who works as a constituent coordinator for local councillor Dianne Saxe. Dennis Wilson, a business consultant, is running for the People’s Party of Canada.
Political analysts are closely watching this byelection as a potential indicator of party performances in the anticipated national election next year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s declining approval ratings have added further intrigue to the outcome. A Liberal victory could suggest the party’s resilience despite current challenges, whereas a Conservative win might signal a shift in voter sentiment in the Greater Toronto Area, a crucial battleground in federal elections.
Advance voting for the byelection runs from June 14 to June 17, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters can find their assigned polling stations on the Elections Canada website. Additionally, early ballots can be cast at the local Elections Canada office in the riding until 6 p.m. on June 18. To vote, individuals must present identification proving their identity and address. Voters also have the option to register by June 18 to vote by mail.
The byelection will be held on June 24, with polls open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Political observers and party strategists will be scrutinizing the results for insights into voter behavior and party prospects as the national election approaches.
This byelection not only offers a glimpse into the political climate of Toronto-St. Paul’s but also serves as a broader barometer of national political trends, making it a pivotal moment for all parties involved.