The federal byelection in Parry Sound–Muskoka is shaping up to be a closely contested race as parties gear up to fill the seat left vacant by Conservative MP Scott Aitchison’s impending departure from Parliament at the end of the fall session.
Aitchison, who has been the riding’s representative since 2019, expressed his readiness for a new phase in his life after over three decades in public service. His decision to step down adds to a string of exits by Conservative MPs following the 2025 federal election.
With Aitchison’s exit, a byelection will be triggered in a constituency that has been consistently held by the Conservatives for more than twenty years. In the last election, Aitchison secured 52.2% of the votes, surpassing the Liberal candidate by 9.6 percentage points.
The Liberal riding association views this as an opportunity for change. Denise Powers, chair of the Parry Sound–Muskoka Federal Liberal Electoral District Association, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming byelection, sensing a readiness for change among residents.
Although the Liberals have not yet unveiled a candidate for the byelection, Powers mentioned that the nomination process is in progress. The party aims to select a dedicated individual committed to serving the riding and advocating for federal programs and support in the area.
Powers anticipates a competitive race, acknowledging the longstanding Conservative dominance in the riding. On the other hand, Aitchison remains confident in his party’s ability to retain the seat, emphasizing the importance of candidate dedication and community engagement over partisan politics.
As Aitchison prepares to exit politics, reflecting on his career that began at the age of 21 in local government, he highlighted his accomplishments as the Conservatives’ housing critic and expressed intentions to continue working on housing and other issues post-politics.
The official byelection date hinges on Aitchison’s seat vacancy, expected after the conclusion of the current parliamentary session on December 11. Parry Sound–Muskoka, a historically Conservative stronghold, faces an early electoral test to see if the party can uphold its dominance or if the Liberals can capitalize on their recent electoral momentum for a victory.
