2026 University—Rosedale federal by-election

2026 University—Rosedale federal by-election
April 13, 2026
Riding of University—Rosedale
 
LPC
CPC
NDP
Candidate Danielle Martin Don Hodgson Serena Purdy
Party Liberal Conservative New Democratic
Last election 64.00% 23.49% 9.91%
Incumbent MP

Vacant[a]


A by-election will be held on April 13, 2026, to elect a member of Parliament (MP) to represent University—Rosedale, Ontario, in the House of Commons for the remainder of the 45th Parliament following the resignation of Liberal Party MP Chrystia Freeland.

Background

Early speculation

Following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet shuffle in September 2025, observers began speculating that Liberal MP and Chrystia Freeland might vacate her seat before the next federal election. The reshuffle saw Freeland leave cabinet after more than a decade in senior roles, with Carney naming her to be Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.[1][2][3]

In her public remarks, Freeland stated that she did not intend to run in the next general election, a signal that she may be preparing to wind down her parliamentary career.[1] Political analysts noted that former senior ministers who transition into international or diplomatic postings often step away from their House seats, either immediately or within the same parliamentary session.[2][3]

Several outlets reported that Freeland was expected to discuss her future with her riding association, with some suggesting she was considering whether to resign her seat in advance of the next election.[4] Other reporting pointed out that her new Ukraine-focused role would require extensive international engagement, increasing speculation that a by-election would be triggered in her riding if she chose to leave Parliament.[5]

Announcement

On January 5, 2026, Freeland announced she would resign as Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale in the coming weeks after being appointed an unpaid economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also confirmed she would step down as Canada’s Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.[6][7]

Freeland said the decision was prompted by her new advisory role, which will focus on Ukraine’s economic recovery and reconstruction. Prime Minister Mark Carney praised her appointment, citing her experience in economic policy and international affairs.[6][7]

The announcement drew criticism from Conservative Members of Parliament, who argued that serving as an MP while advising a foreign government constituted a conflict of interest under parliamentary ethics rules. Freeland said she had consulted with the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, which declined to comment due to confidentiality requirements.[6][7]

On January 7, 2026, Freeland announced that her resignation would take effect on January 9, 2026.[8]

Timing

The Chief Electoral Officer received formal notification of the vacancy from the Speaker of the House of Commons on January 9, 2026. The date of the by-election must be announced between January 20 and July 8, 2026. The by-election must be held on a Monday, at least 36 days but no more than 50 days after the day the by-election is announced. Accordingly, the earliest date that the University–Rosedale by-election could have been held was March 2, 2026 and the latest it could have be held is August 24, 2026.[9] On March 8, 2026, the writ was issued for a by-election on April 13, 2026.[10] Nominations close on March 23, at 2 pm local time.[11]

Constituency

University—Rosedale is an urban riding in central Toronto, encompassing the entire St. George campus of the University of Toronto, as well as the neighbourhoods of Rosedale, Little Italy, The Annex, and Yorkville, along with the northwestern portion of Downtown Toronto.

The seat has been held by the Liberal Party, represented by Chrystia Freeland, since its formation in 2015.

Candidates

Liberal Party

Speculated Liberal candidates included Toronto based physician and rumoured Ontario Liberal Party leadership candidate Andrew Boozary, former Eglinton—Lawrence MP Marco Mendicino,[12] aviation executive John Tory Jr. (son of former mayor of Toronto and Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory), and former provincial Liberal candidate, and Prosperity Project founder Pamela Jeffery.[13]

RBC executive Andrea Barrick, who was also named as a potential candidate, has said she is not interested in the nomination.[13] Investment banker Mark Wiseman was also rumoured to be a prospective candidate for the nomination,[12] but was later appointed as ambassador to United States.[14]

On January 31, 2026, Danielle Martin, chair of the University of Toronto’s family medicine program, was announced as the party's candidate in the by-election.[15]

New Democratic Party

On February 2, 2026, community organizer Serena Purdy, the party's candidate in the 2025 Canadian federal election announced she would be seeking the party's nomination for the by-election.[16] She was subsequently appointed the party's candidate.[17]

Results

Canadian federal by-election, April 13, 2026: University—Rosedale
Resignation of Chrystia Freeland
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Danielle Martin
Conservative Don Hodgson
New Democratic Serena Purdy
Green Andrew Massey
Communist
Marxist–Leninist
Centrist Imran Khan
People's Andy D’Andrea
No Affiliation Leslie Bory
Independent Adam Golding
Independent Bill Whatcott
Total valid votes/expense limit
Total rejected ballots
Turnout
Eligible voters
Source:

2025 results

2025 Canadian federal election: University—Rosedale
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Chrystia Freeland 39,847 64.00 +17.52
Conservative Liz Grade 14,624 23.49 +5.55
New Democratic Serena Purdy 6,168 9.91 –18.16
Green Ignacio Mongrell 1,066 1.71 –2.73
Communist Drew Garvie 304 0.49 +0.02
Marxist–Leninist Barbara Biley 138 0.22 N/A
Independent Adam Golding 118 0.19 N/A
Total valid votes/expense limit 62,265 100
Total rejected ballots 466 0.74
Turnout 62,731 65.45
Eligible voters 95,844
Liberal notional hold Swing +5.87
Source: Elections Canada[18][19][20]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Seat was vacated by Chrystia Freeland (Liberal) on January 9, 2026.

References

  1. ^ a b Sean, Boynton (September 16, 2025). "Chrystia Freeland leaving cabinet to serve as special envoy to Ukraine". Global News. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Marlo, Glass (September 16, 2025). "Freeland resigns from cabinet after a decade as key Liberal minister for role as envoy for Ukraine". The Hill Times. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  3. ^ a b CBC News (September 16, 2025). "Freeland leaving cabinet, won't run in next federal election". Yahoo News. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  4. ^ Christopher, Nardi (September 16, 2025). "Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland resigns from cabinet, will not finish term". Yahoo News. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  5. ^ Rana, Abbas (September 22, 2025). "At least three safe Liberal seats poised to open as high-profile contenders line up" (PDF). The Hill Times. p. 1.
  6. ^ a b c Levitz, Stephanie (January 5, 2026). "Freeland says she will resign as MP in coming weeks after being appointed Zelensky's adviser". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  7. ^ a b c Dyk, Spencer Van (January 5, 2026). "Chrystia Freeland to resign from Parliament following Zelenskyy appointment". CTV News. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  8. ^ Tunney, Catharine (January 7, 2026). "Chrystia Freeland to step down as MP on Friday". CBC News. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  9. ^ "A Federal Seat Is Vacant in University–Rosedale". Elections Canada. January 9, 2026. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  10. ^ Tumilty, Ryan (March 8, 2026). "Mark Carney calls three byelections for April that could lead to Liberal majority". Toronto Star. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  11. ^ Stephens, Matthew (March 9, 2025). "Federal byelection in Scarborough Southwest to take place on April 13". Beach Metro Community News. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  12. ^ a b Rana, Abbas (September 28, 2025). "Coming byelections in at least three safe Liberal ridings will mark first test of Carney government's popularity, say political players". The Hill Times. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
  13. ^ a b Tumilty, Ryan; Benzie, Robert (January 7, 2026). "Chrystia Freeland will step down Friday triggering a byelection in a key Toronto riding". Toronto Star. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
  14. ^ "Carney formally names investment executive Mark Wiseman as next U.S. ambassador". The Globe and Mail. December 22, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
  15. ^ Steven, Benjamin Lopez (January 31, 2026). "Liberals announce Danielle Martin will be their candidate for University-Rosedale byelection". CBC News. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  16. ^ "Who's running in the University—Rosedale byelection in Toronto?". TorontoToday.ca. February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  17. ^ Lopez Steven, Benjamin (March 8, 2026). "Carney calls byelections in Quebec riding of Terrebonne, 2 Toronto ridings". CBC News. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  18. ^ "Voter information service". Elections Canada. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  19. ^ "Election Night Results - Electoral Districts". Elections Canada. April 29, 2025. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  20. ^ "Forty-fifth general election 2025—Official Voting Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
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