May 3, 2015 by admin

Federal byelections called for Oct. 19, same day as expected federal vote

Ottawa, Elections Canada has announced three federal byelections to fill vacant seats in the House of Commons — but the date set is the same for the next expected general federal election.

A statement by Elections Canada said it issued three writs this afternoon for a trio of Oct. 19 byelections to be held in the ridings of Ottawa West-Nepean, Peterborough and Sudbury.

It was not immediately clear what the implications of those votes would be for the broader federal election expected for the same day.

Former foreign affairs minister John Baird left Ottawa West-Nepean vacant with his sudden resignation earlier this year.

Peterborough is vacant because Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro was found guilty last fall of violating the Canada Elections Act.

Former New Democrat MP Glenn Thibeault resigned his seat in Sudbury to join the Ontario Liberals.