Carney calls six byelections, including Scarborough North, for December 7

NOW Toronto reported that Prime Minister Mark Carney has called six federal byelections, votes to fill empty House of Commons seats, for December 7. One is Scarborough North, vacated by Liberal MP Shaun Chen, who stepped down in August.

The Liberals hold 173 of the 343 seats, a thin majority. In March, before the April byelections, The Canadian Press reported that one Liberal MP was the Speaker, an impartial referee who normally votes only to break a tie. It said that even with 172 seats, the party would need at least one other MP’s support to pass a bill.

The Liberals won three byelections in April, including the Toronto seats University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, which cemented Mr Carney’s majority. Four parties previously held the six vacant seats, so the Liberals are not only defending.

Elections Canada said advance voting runs from November 27 to November 30, and election day is December 7.

Sources: NOW Toronto · CTV News (Canadian Press) · CityNews · Prime Minister’s Office