Trudeau announces dates for Manitoba and Quebec byelections

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced two federal byelections scheduled for September 16, as per a government release on Sunday morning.

The byelections will occur in the ridings of Elmwood-Transcona in Winnipeg and LaSalle—Émard—Verdun in Montreal.

NDP MP Daniel Blaikie resigned from his seat in Elmwood-Transcona to work more closely with Premier Wab Kinew, departing federal politics after nearly a decade.

The federal Liberals have nominated Ian MacIntyre as their candidate.

"I'm so honoured to be your Team Trudeau candidate for the upcoming by-election in Elmwood-Transcona! Together, we can build more homes, strengthen our public health care, and build a better future for all Manitobans," MacIntyre posted on Facebook.

MacIntyre, a teacher and union leader, will compete against local construction electrician Colin Reynolds for the federal Conservatives and the NDP's Leila Dance, former executive director of the Transcona Business Improvement Zone.

Montreal's LaSalle—Emard—Verdun seat has been vacant since the January resignation of former justice minister David Lametti, who stepped down after being removed from Trudeau's cabinet last July.

"It is with some sadness that I am leaving a dream job. Since the changes made to the cabinet in the summer of 2023, I have continued to do my best to fulfill my duties as a member of Parliament," Lametti said. He had represented the riding since 2015.

Trudeau selected Montreal city Coun. Laura Palestini as the party's candidate, a decision criticized as "anti-democratic" by Lori Morrison, one of the three other aspiring candidates for the riding.

After canvassing door-to-door to sign up memberships, local school commissioner Morrison expressed disbelief that the Liberals would abandon their plans for a nomination meeting. Liberal campaign co-chair Soraya Martinez Ferrada stated it was ultimately Trudeau's decision to prevent party members from choosing the candidate.

Palestini will face NDP's Craig Suave, who represents the city's Sud-Ouest borough. The Conservatives have nominated Louis Ialenti, described as a "common-sense small business owner." The Bloc Quebecois has not yet announced a candidate.

The September byelections will be a test of the Liberals' electoral strength following a surprising defeat in Toronto this past June. The federal Liberals lost their long-held Toronto-St.Paul's seat to Conservative candidate Don Stewart, who won by just over 590 votes.