Carney could face record number of byelections

Two more MPs have been added to the list of lawmakers planning to resign in the coming weeks, potentially increasing the number of byelections Prime Minister Mark Carney will have to call during the first two years of his mandate to 13.

If all of the expected vacancies result in byelections, it would be the highest number of byelections called by any Canadian prime minister in such a short period in more than 75 years.

Last week, Conservative MP Larry Brock announced that he would resign his seat in Brantford—Brant South in September and return to practising law. Brock cited frustration with what he described as the limited ability of opposition MPs to influence legislation.

Earlier this week, Liberal MP Shaun Chen announced that he would resign his seat in Scarborough North, effective August 15. Chen said he has been dealing with ongoing health problems since being involved in a car accident last year.

With Brock’s resignation expected in September, Prime Minister Carney could be required to call his 13th byelection within six months of Brock stepping down. The vacancies are in addition to the byelections already required following resignations since the April 2025 federal election.