Doly Begum has won the federal byelection in Scarborough Southwest, securing a decisive victory and a continued Liberal hold on the riding. The result follows former MP Bill Blair stepping down to take on a diplomatic role as Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Begum, who recently switched from the New Democratic Party to the Liberals, captured close to 70 percent of the vote. Despite the commanding margin, voter turnout remained relatively low, with only about one-third of eligible voters casting ballots.
The outcome carries national significance for Mark Carney and his government. With Liberal candidates winning all three federal byelections held Monday night, the party now holds 174 seats in the House of Commons, just above the 172 needed for a majority.
This win further stabilizes Carney’s position, especially after several MPs recently crossed the floor to join the Liberals, including four from the Conservative Party. The strengthened numbers reduce reliance on opposition support in key votes.
Speaking to supporters at a banquet hall along Kingston Road, Begum framed the victory as a reflection of community unity.
“Tonight, we celebrate something so powerful … a community coming together, putting aside their differences to choose hope, compassion, and progress,” she said, as supporters chanted her name.
Several notable political figures attended the event, including Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP for Beaches–East York, Andrea Hazell, and former provincial Liberal candidate Qadira Jackson.
Seven other candidates contested the byelection. Conservative candidate Diana Filipova secured just over 18 percent of the vote. NDP candidate Fatima Shaban received around six percent, while Green Party candidate Pooja Malhotra earned approximately 2.5 percent.
The wide margin highlights Begum’s strong local recognition and the Liberals’ continued dominance in the riding.
Begum’s victory follows a major political shift. Just two months ago, she served as a provincial representative for Scarborough Southwest under the NDP banner. First elected in 2018 at age 29, she quickly rose within the party and was later named deputy leader.
Her decision to resign and run federally as a Liberal candidate surprised many, including Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles. The move also drew criticism from federal NDP members, who questioned the timing and motivation behind the switch.
With Begum vacating her provincial seat, attention now turns to Doug Ford, who has up to six months to call a provincial byelection in Scarborough Southwest. Early interest in the race is already emerging, with Erskine-Smith signalling plans to seek the Liberal nomination.
The riding itself spans key areas of Toronto, bordered by Eglinton Avenue East, Victoria Park Avenue, and Markham Road, with Lake Ontario forming its southern edge. It includes well-known neighbourhoods such as the Scarborough Bluffs and the Golden Mile commercial district.
Begum’s transition to federal politics marks a significant step in her political career and reshapes the landscape in Scarborough Southwest. With a majority now secured in Ottawa and a provincial contest on the horizon, the ripple effects of this byelection are likely to continue in the months ahead.
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