Six More Byelections Ahead Will Test Liberal Momentum

The Liberal Party is continuing to build on Monday’s byelection wins, but more contests are coming that will offer another test of voter sentiment in the months ahead. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s party won three federal byelections in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, giving it more than 50 per cent of the vote in each riding. Political analysts said the result was not surprising in two of the seats, but the Liberal win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord may also reflect support for Carney’s approach to the U.S. trade dispute. Six more byelections are expected, including three in Quebec, two in Ontario and one in Saskatchewan. Analysts say the timing and grouping of the contests could help the Liberals manage campaign resources, while also putting pressure on Conservatives, the Bloc Québécois and the NDP as they try to defend or compete for those seats.