Five Liberals preparing to replace Nate Erskine-Smith in Toronto riding

Potts said he hopes the party doesn’t simply appoint a candidate.

“I really do hope that they have an open nomination,” he said. “I think it’s good for the country that we show that we believe in the democratic process.”

The current Beaches—East York MP, Liberal Nate Erskine-Smith, has announced his intention to resign by the end of June, which will trigger a byelection in  a riding he has held since 2015.

Two senior Liberals, who spoke to the Star on background to discuss internal politics, offered differing views on what the party would do with one saying no decision had been made on whether to appoint a candidate or to have a nomination contest. The other source said an appointment was most likely because of the short timeline involved and the likelihood the byelection would need to take place before the House of Commons returns in September from its summer break. 

Maggie Morris, a spokesperson for the Liberal party, said it would be premature to discuss the party’s next steps.

“There are currently no vacancies in the House of Commons, and upcoming nominations will move forward in accordance with the party’s nomination rules in due time,” she said. 

In most circumstances, party rules require candidates to go through a “green light” process where party members interview prospective candidates, examine financial reports, social media and criminal record checks among other reviews before deciding if a candidate can represent the party. If multiple people pass the “green light” process then a nomination contest is held with Liberals voting for their preferred candidate. 

But the Liberal constitution allows the leader to bypass those processes and appoint a candidate.

Earlier this year, the Liberals bypassed nomination contests and appointed candidates in two byelections, running doctor Danielle Martin in University—Rosedale and former Ontario NDP MPP Doly Begum in Scarborough Southwest. Both won, helping secure the Liberal majority.

Potts said he believes the riding needs someone with a progressive background.  

“This is one of the most progressive ridings in Canada and I believe that the NDP will be here in force,” he said

Seaborn, who was a senior staffer in the Trudeau government, has not gone public with her plans, but a Liberal source confirmed to the Star she is a likely candidate. 

Nudel said she has been preparing to run since 2024 when Erskine-Smith first suggested he would be stepping down before changing his mind ahead of last year’s election.

“I’m committed to being of service. I’m an advocate. I know how to get things done,” she said, adding she is ready for a nomination contest, but respects whatever choice the prime minister makes. 

Hull-Jacquin, who founded the charity Shelter Movers, said he also will respect the party’s decision, but believes he could be a strong MP. 

“I spent many years building good, strong teams that deliver real results in the real world and that’s what I want to bring to this riding and to support the Carney government.”

Tory, who also considered a run in Scarborough Southwest, said he has met with constituents in the riding and is encouraged by the early support.  

“Should a vacancy arise, it is something I will seriously consider,” he told the Star in an email.  

There are four other MPs set to resign in the coming months, including Liberals Jonathan Wilkinson and Steven Guilbeault, as well as NDP MPs Alexandre Boulerice and Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay. 

According to sources, one of Carney’s senior advisers, Braeden Caley, is considering a run in North Vancouver—Capilano, where Wilkinson is stepping down. The Liberals need to hold onto at least one of the three seats to keep their majority in Parliament. 

The NDP and the Conservatives have not identified candidates in Beaches—East York.