Nathaniel Erskine-smith quits plans after 19-vote nomination loss
nathaniel erskine-smith said he will resign his federal seat over the summer after losing the Scarborough Southwest nomination vote by 19 votes. The Beaches—East York MP said the departure will come one way or another, and supporters are already planning a June 25 send-off at an East York beer hall.
Erskine-Smith on May 12
Erskine-Smith told CTV’s Power Play on May 12, “I’m going to resign over the summer one way or another.” He also said it was “less likely” that he would seek the leadership of the Ontario Liberals after the setback.
The decision follows his May 9 loss in the Scarborough Southwest byelection nomination race, where he had hoped to win the right to run. He lost an appeal of that result after falling short by 19 votes.
Beaches-East York nomination
An invitation sent Friday said that “After more than a decade representing Beaches—East York in Parliament, Hon. MP Nate Erskine-Smith is stepping down.” It also said, “To mark the occasion, we’re bringing together the people who have been part of Nate’s journey over the years.”
His exit would open the Beaches—East York federal Liberal nomination, and six people are already vying for it. The field includes Claire Seaborn, Arthur Potts, Summer Nudel, John Tory Jr., Marc Hull-Jacquin and Tanveer Shahnawaz.
After June 19
His move is not expected until after the House of Commons begins its summer break on June 19. Prime Minister Mark Carney could appoint a candidate for the nomination, while the race to replace Bonnie Crombie in Ontario continues after Erskine-Smith placed second to her in the 2023 leadership contest.
That sequence leaves his federal seat intact for now, but the nomination fight in Beaches—East York is already underway. For constituents, the practical consequence is a delayed turnover rather than an immediate vacancy, with the summer shaping up as the point when his Commons seat changes hands.
