CBC Hamilton will provide updates on the byelection results for Hamilton East─Stoney Creek once the polls have closed. Voters still have time to cast their ballots in the ongoing byelection for the Ontario seat left vacant by the retirement of Progressive Conservative MPP Neil Lumsden on August 4.
This byelection is one of three provincial byelections taking place on Thursday, alongside elections in the Toronto ridings of Scarborough Southwest and York─Simcoe. Polling stations will remain open until 9 p.m., and voters can find detailed information on voting requirements on the Elections Ontario website.
Six candidates are contesting the Hamilton East─Stoney Creek seat. The candidates, listed alphabetically by last name, are Jeff Beattie from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, Heather Curnew from the Ontario Party, Wieslawa Derlatka from the New Blue Party, Heino Doessing from the Ontario Liberal Party, Pascale Marchand from the Green Party of Ontario, and Monique Taylor from the Ontario New Democratic Party. Monique Taylor, a former Hamilton Mountain MPP, aims to return to Queen’s Park.
Candidates have put forward their priorities and proposals to address community challenges. Voters can learn more about the candidates and their plans for the community.
In previous elections, the Progressive Conservatives emerged victorious. Neil Lumsden won the seat in the February 27, 2025 general election, securing approximately 42% of the vote. Voter turnout in the 2025 election was 43.92%, with 39,255 out of 89,584 registered voters participating.
Experts anticipate low voter turnout in byelections, citing historical data. Advanced voter turnout in Hamilton East─Stoney Creek was lower compared to previous general elections. Residents have highlighted key issues such as housing affordability, taxes, traffic, education, safety, and homelessness.
During a televised debate, candidates discussed various issues, including industrial pollution concerns and urban boundary expansion in Hamilton. The candidates have engaged in public debates and social media discussions, highlighting their positions on key policy matters.
Some experts believe that the stance of Ontario Premier Doug Ford against U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies could influence the byelection results positively for Progressive Conservative candidates.