McMaster experts available to discuss federal byelection
Hamilton, ON, April 10, 2026 – Mark Carney’s Liberal party is on the verge of securing a majority in the House of Commons with three byelections set for April 13. The outcome could have lasting effects for Canadians.
The two Ontario races are expected to be held by the Liberals. All eyes will be on the Quebec riding of Terrebonne, where a single vote led to a recount that saw the seat flip from Bloc Quebecois to Liberal. Ultimately, the Supreme Court annulled the result due to issues with mail-in voting, leaving the seat vacant.
A Liberal win in just one of the three ridings would give Carney a thin majority government of 172 seats, which includes the House Speaker. However, as the Speaker rarely participates in voting, a win in two or more ridings would be considered a stronger win for Carney’s Liberals.
The Liberals are now one seat closer to a majority with the recent floor crossing of MP Marilyn Gladu, who crossed the floor from the Conservatives in early April.
McMaster University experts are available to comment on the potential outcomes of the byelection, including:
- polling data;
- recent floor crossings and Doly Begum running as a federal Liberal;
- parliamentary procedure (i.e., the Liberal need for more than a simple majority and why they wouldn’t prorogue Parliament);
- and the implications of these byelections for Pierre Poilievre’s leadership.