YouTube video by Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, M.P., Beaches-East York

Liberal MP and former cabinet minister Sean Fraser is cancelling his plans to retire from politics and will announce today he will seek reelection in his Nova Scotia riding of Central Nova, CBC News h...

YouTube video by Steve Boots

YouTube video by Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, M.P., Beaches-East York

Toronto MP and former housing minister Nate Erskine-Smith says “it’s impossible not to feel disrespected” after Prime Minister Mark Carney removed him from cabinet.

Disappointed personally but wishing the government every success.

A rundown of the what I see as the good, the bad, and the ugly in Budget 2025, as well as info on upcoming local events in our east end

Ontario’s Liberals are embroiled in a nomination controversy which some insiders and experts say threatens to distract from the party’s broader rebuild and damages its brand just as it starts to catch...

A complaint filed by federal Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith over the Ontario Liberal nomination contest in Scarborough-Southwest has been dismissed by a party arbitration committee. Erskine-Smith had narrowly lost the nomination to entrepreneur Ahsanul Hafiz by 19 votes and subsequently raised concerns about voting irregularities, including an alleged discrepancy of 34 ballots compared with registered voters. The three-member arbitration panel reviewed the case and concluded that there were no irregularities in the conduct of the nomination meeting that affected the outcome or undermined the integrity of the vote. The panel, which included former cabinet minister David Zimmer along with party members Adam Goldenberg and Jennifer Norman, held a hearing and issued a 17-page decision. It determined that the apparent discrepancy in ballot counts was the result of an administrative or record-keeping error rather than misconduct. The panel stated that the most plausible explanation was that eligible voters cast ballots but their names were not properly crossed off the voters list. It therefore upheld the result, confirming Ahsanul Hafiz as the rightful winner of the nomination. The Ontario Liberal Party leadership welcomed the decision and urged unity within the party, stressing the importance of maintaining public trust and focusing on defeating the governing Progressive Conservatives in the riding. Interim leader John Fraser reiterated that the nomination process had been transparent and supported by volunteers overseeing the vote. The dispute comes at a politically sensitive time for the Ontario Liberals, who have been rebuilding after recent electoral setbacks while also experiencing improved polling performance. The outcome may also have implications for internal leadership dynamics, as Erskine-Smith has previously been a prominent contender in party leadership races and had intended to strengthen his position through a provincial seat.

Former federal cabinet minister and Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith narrowly lost the Ontario Liberal nomination for the Scarborough Southwest provincial riding, with local businessman Ahsanul Hafiz winning by just 19 votes. Erskine-Smith confirmed the close margin and indicated he may challenge the result, citing irregularities reported by scrutineers, including ID issues at one voting table. While Erskine-Smith plans to consult his team before deciding on a formal challenge, Hafiz stressed that the process was fair and highlighted strong local support evidenced by his campaign badges throughout the venue. The nomination attracted attention because Erskine-Smith, who currently represents neighbouring Beaches-East York, had previously run for the Ontario Liberal leadership in 2023. Winning a provincial seat would provide him greater visibility and a platform to contest Premier Doug Ford directly. The Scarborough Southwest seat became vacant after former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum resigned to run federally. The timing of the by-election has not yet been announced, but it is expected before summer. Other candidates and potential leadership contenders, such as Lee Fairclough and Dylan Marando, are also engaged in the provincial Liberal leadership race. Community members have expressed concern that local representation should remain a priority rather than being used as a stepping stone for leadership ambitions.

Federal MP Nate Erskine-Smith has formally filed an appeal after narrowly losing the Ontario Liberal nomination in the Scarborough Southwest riding, creating uncertainty for the party ahead of a potential summer byelection. Erskine-Smith, who has served as the MP for neighbouring Beaches-East York for 11 years, lost to political newcomer Ahsanul Hafiz by just 19 votes on the third ballot. He alleges 'serious irregularities,' including 34 more ballots in boxes than counted votes and inconsistencies regarding voter identification and residency. While Erskine-Smith had previously hinted at concerns in a media scrum, he refrained from specifics until conducting a full review with his team. Despite these allegations, he emphasises he will not run again in Scarborough Southwest if the appeal leads to a new nomination, aiming to avoid perceptions of self-interest. The Ontario Liberal Party’s arbitration committee will review the appeal independently. Interim leader John Fraser expressed confidence in the committee’s process and stressed that any claims require evidence. Erskine-Smith’s move underscores his ongoing position as an outsider within Ontario Liberal circles, even as he remains a candidate for the provincial party leadership, which will be decided in November. His appeal, while procedural, could leave the riding temporarily without a Liberal candidate and highlights tensions within the party about the nomination process.

Federal MP Nate Erskine-Smith has formally filed an appeal after narrowly losing the Ontario Liberal nomination in the Scarborough Southwest riding, creating uncertainty for the party ahead of a potential summer byelection. Erskine-Smith, who has served as the MP for neighbouring Beaches-East York for 11 years, lost to political newcomer Ahsanul Hafiz by just 19 votes on the third ballot. He alleges 'serious irregularities,' including 34 more ballots in boxes than counted votes and inconsistencies regarding voter identification and residency. While Erskine-Smith had previously hinted at concerns in a media scrum, he refrained from specifics until conducting a full review with his team. Despite these allegations, he emphasises he will not run again in Scarborough Southwest if the appeal leads to a new nomination, aiming to avoid perceptions of self-interest. The Ontario Liberal Party’s arbitration committee will review the appeal independently. Interim leader John Fraser expressed confidence in the committee’s process and stressed that any claims require evidence. Erskine-Smith’s move underscores his ongoing position as an outsider within Ontario Liberal circles, even as he remains a candidate for the provincial party leadership, which will be decided in November. His appeal, while procedural, could leave the riding temporarily without a Liberal candidate and highlights tensions within the party about the nomination process.

YouTube video by Éric Grenier

YouTube video by Paul Collins

YouTube video by Paul Collins