Three Ontario byelections set for September 3 in Scarborough, York-Simcoe, Hamilton ridings

Premier Doug Ford has called three provincial byelections for September 3 in Scarborough Southwest, York-Simcoe and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek—triggering contests in strategic ridings with competing visions for the province.

In Scarborough Southwest, the race hinges on a contentious Liberal nomination. Businessman Ahsanul Hafiz defeated former federal MP Nate Erskine-Smith by 19 votes in May, a margin so tight it underscored deep party divisions. Erskine-Smith, who represents the neighbouring federal riding of Beaches-East York, had hoped to use a provincial seat as a stepping stone to a likely bid for the Ontario Liberal leadership. He has since abandoned those plans. The riding's previous MPP, Doly Begum, held it for the NDP since 2018 before vacating in February to run as a Liberal candidate in the same federal riding—a move that paid off when she defeated Erskine-Smith federally.

The Ontario PCs have nominated Dr. Noor Tarun for Scarborough Southwest, while Fatima Shaban will seek to keep the seat in NDP hands. Mark Bekkering carries the Green Party banner.

In Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, Neil Lumsden's departure has opened a three-way contest. The PCs named Jeff Beattie as their candidate; the Liberals selected Heino Doessing, who ran against Lumsden in the last provincial election; the Greens nominated Pascale Marchand. The NDP has not yet announced a candidate.

York-Simcoe, vacated by Caroline Mulroney, will see Susan Lahey carry the PC colours, while York Region councillor Naomi Davison runs for the Liberals. Businessman Matt Pearce is the Liberal nominee; the NDP has not yet announced their candidate for the riding.