Former MP Nate Erskine-Smith to enter Toronto city council race

Former federal minister and Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith announced his intention to run for a seat on Toronto's city council during the upcoming election. Erskine-Smith, who represented the Beaches-East York riding in federal politics, confirmed to Global News on Tuesday that he will seek the position on Ward 19 Beaches-East York. This news comes after weeks of speculation following his failure to secure the Ontario Liberal nomination for the Scarborough Southwest riding in the provincial byelection.

Erskine-Smith, a 42-year-old former lawyer, has been serving as the MP for Beaches-East York since 2015, winning re-election in the 2019, 2021, and 2025 elections. He held the position of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities in late 2024 under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but was removed from the cabinet following the 2025 federal election.

Despite this setback, Erskine-Smith had previously indicated his intention to leave federal politics and run for the provincial Liberal nomination, as well as potentially challenging for the party's leadership. However, he ultimately lost the nomination, which he appealed to the party's arbitration panel but was subsequently denied.

Since then, Erskine-Smith has made it clear that he is considering a run for city council, a decision he confirmed on Tuesday. He had previously resigned from his seat in the House of Commons. Ward 19 Beaches-East York is one of two city council seats without an incumbent, with Brad Bradford currently challenging Mayor Olivia Chow for her position. As of the publication of this report, Erskine-Smith has not yet submitted his nomination papers for the race, which he announced would occur on Wednesday.