Finance Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday that Canada will hold by‑elections on Aug. 31, 2026 to fill three vacant seats in the House of Commons. The elections will take place in ridings located in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.
The three vacancies arose from separate departures: one member of Parliament resigned from federal politics, another accepted an ambassadorial posting, and a third was appointed to the Senate. Each vacancy triggers the need for a by‑election under Canada’s electoral rules, which require a vote when a seat becomes empty.
By‑elections are scheduled by the Governor‑General on the advice of the Prime Minister’s Office, and the date set by Carney follows that established procedure. Voters in the three provinces will receive ballots on the same day, with the outcomes determining who will occupy the open seats for the remainder of the current parliamentary term.
The announcement comes as part of the routine management of parliamentary representation. No additional by‑elections are planned beyond the three identified ridings, and the election date aligns with the statutory timeline that mandates a vote within 180 days of a vacancy becoming official. Election officials will oversee the process in each constituency, ensuring compliance with federal voting standards.
The three ridings will each elect a new MP who will join the governing caucus or opposition benches, depending on the parties’ performance. The results will be added to the composition of the House of Commons as it continues to address legislative business through the remainder of the parliamentary session.
Carney’s statement underscored the importance of maintaining full representation for Canadians across the country, and the scheduled by‑elections aim to restore the seats promptly.