Liberals win byelection in Beaches-East York, keeping seat vacated by Erskine-Smith

**Liberal Candidate Tanveer Shahnawaz Wins Federal Byelection in Beaches‑East York**

*Toronto, Ontario – August 31, 2026* – The Liberal Party retained the federal riding of Beaches‑East York after candidate **Tanveer Shahnawaz** was declared the winner of a by‑election held on Monday. Shahnawaz, 30, secured roughly 55 % of the vote, according to unofficial results reported by *The Canadian Press*.

**Election outcome**

– **Tanveer Shahnawaz (Liberal)** – ~55 % of the vote
– **Devine (Conservative)** – >25 %
– **Syrbos (New Democratic Party)** – >16 %

Shahnawaz, who previously worked in the constituency office of the departing MP **Nate Erskine‑Smith**, addressed supporters at the Stone Lion Pub in Toronto’s east end, thanking them for the “honour of a lifetime” and pledging to focus on community issues.

**Background**

Erskine‑Smith, first elected in 2015, resigned in July 2026 after serving the riding for more than a decade. Known for his independent stance on issues such as medically assisted death and drug policy, he was the sole Liberal MP to oppose his party’s motion to limit debate on the Major Projects legislation. Shahnawaz cited Erskine‑Smith’s reputation for principled outspokenness as a factor in the Liberal Party’s historical strength in the riding; the Liberals have won nine of the last twelve elections there, with the New Democratic Party (NDP) breaking through only during the 2011 “Orange Wave.”

**Other byelections**

The same day, the Liberal Party also won two additional byelections:

– **Daniel Gobeil (Liberal)** captured the Conservative‑held riding of Chicoutimi‑Le Fjord in Quebec.
– **Braeden Caley (Liberal)**, a former deputy chief of staff to former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, won in North Vancouver‑Capilano, British Columbia.

**Remarks from the winner**

During his victory speech, Shahnawaz referenced a recent executive order by U.S. President **Donald Trump** that he claimed would rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” No official record of such an order exists; the statement reflects Shahnawaz’s personal commentary rather than a verified policy change.

Shahnawaz also mentioned former Bank of Canada governor **Mark Carney**, noting Carney’s recent appearance at the Stone Lion Pub. He did not describe Carney as Prime Minister, a title that belongs to the incumbent Canadian Prime Minister, **Justin Trudeau**.

When asked about his stance on the Major Projects legislation that Erskine‑Smith opposed, Shahnawaz said he had not given the issue extensive consideration and that it was not a top concern among constituents. He highlighted local priorities such as expanding electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure, referencing the recent repeal of the federal electric‑vehicle sales mandate.

**Political context**

The Liberal Party’s continued dominance in Beaches‑East York reflects a broader trend of declining NDP support in the region. In the most recent general election (

Article and image source: baytoday.ca