Ontario byelections near finish line as trade tensions weigh on campaign

Three Ontario provincial byelections are heading into the final stretch as Canada’s trade dispute with the United States becomes a major campaign issue. Candidates in Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, Scarborough Southwest and YorkSimcoe said voters are still focused on familiar concerns such as affordability, health care and education, but recent U.S. tariffs and tensions tied to Donald Trump have added new urgency to the race. In Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, the contest is expected to be tight among the Progressive Conservatives, NDP and Liberals. The PCs are trying to hold onto the seat after winning it in 2022, while the NDP is campaigning on local ties and concerns about how tariffs could affect workers in the steelheavy region. In Scarborough Southwest, the Liberals are hoping party momentum under Mark Carney will help them challenge the NDP, while YorkSimcoe is also expected to be competitive as voters prepare to cast ballots on Thursday.