Liberals Name Candidates for All Six Upcoming Federal By-Elections
Party appoints a slate of business leaders, former elected officials and community advocates across Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Why the contests matter
Six House of Commons seats are vacant following resignations by MPs from the Liberals, Conservatives, Bloc Québécois and NDP. The results will determine representation in ridings previously held by four parties and could alter the government’s parliamentary numbers. In the 2025 general election, the Liberals won Scarborough North and Laurier—Sainte-Marie, while Conservatives secured Brantford—Brant South and Yorkton—Melville, illustrating the varied electoral histories of these contests.
Candidates in Quebec
Former Desjardins Group president and chief executive **Guy Cormier** will contest Laurier—Sainte-Marie, vacated by former environment minister Steven Guilbeault.
In Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, the Liberals have nominated **Chantal Soucy**, a former Coalition Avenir Québec member of Quebec’s National Assembly. The seat was previously held by Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay.
Human rights advocate **Jean-Sébastien Vallée** will run in Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, formerly represented by New Democrat Alexandre Boulerice.
Candidates in Ontario and Saskatchewan
In Brantford—Brant South, the party has selected **Joy O’Donnell**, a certified financial planner with more than three decades of community involvement. The riding was represented by Conservative Larry Brock.
Accountant and business professional **James Li** will carry the Liberal banner in Scarborough North, previously held by Liberal Shaun Chen.
Yorkton Mayor and small business owner **Aaron Kienle** will run in Yorkton—Melville, a Saskatchewan riding formerly represented by Conservative Cathay Wagantall.
What comes next
Liberal Party president Sachit Mehra has highlighted the nominees’ experience in business, public service and community leadership. Other parties are also fielding candidates in the six contests.
The by-elections have been widely reported as potentially taking place December 7, although an official polling announcement was not available at publication. Elections Canada will administer the votes once writs are issued.