OLP Leadership 2026 Scarborough SW By-Election Two Races, One Candidate

NATHANIEL
ERSKINE-SMITH.

Serious Politics. Principled Results. Federal MP, Former Housing Minister, Runner-up 2023. Seeking Scarborough Southwest nomination + OLP Leadership.

67.7%

2025 Federal Win

46.6%

2023 OLP (2nd)

4x

Elected MP

OMOV

Champion

Colors

Typography

Inter Black Italic

Hashtags

#PowerToTheRidings #OMOV

Target

Grassroots, Young Families

Strategy

POWER TO
THE
RIDINGS.

Decentralizing the party. Local Riding Associations are the heart of democracy - we're putting tools back in local hands.

Philosophy

SUBSTANCE
OVER
SOUNDBITES.

Evidence-based policy. Independent voices. Real solutions for housing, climate, and healthcare.

2023 Results

RUNNER-UP.
NOT
FINISHED.

Transformed the provincial conversation. Proved Ontarians want real change.

Our Leader

VOTE

NATHANIEL

ERSKINE-SMITH

ONTARIO LIBERAL

SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST

NES

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

Federal MP | Former Housing Minister | OLP Leadership Candidate

"I believe Ontario is a place where every voice matters. Where your government listens and treats every single person in the province with respect. I believe in a place where we find common ground and meet in the middle so we can build a prosperous future for all of us."

Born

June 15, 1984 (age 41)

Toronto, Ontario

Education

BA, JD, BCL/MLaw

Queen's & Oxford

Pre-Politics

Commercial Litigation

Pro bono for CCLA

Family

Wife Amy Symington

Two sons

Millennial Leader 4x Elected MP Housing Minister OMOV Champion

Political Timeline

DEC 2024 - MAY 2025

Minister of Housing

Federal cabinet under PM Trudeau & PM Carney

APRIL 2025

Re-elected MP (67.7%)

Beaches-East York, 4th term

MARCH 2023

OLP Leadership Runner-Up

46.6% on 3rd ballot vs. Crombie

2021

Re-elected MP (56.7%)

Beaches-East York, 3rd term

2019

Re-elected MP (53.8%)

Beaches-East York, 2nd term

2017

Founded Animal Welfare Caucus

Liberal Animal Welfare Caucus

OCT 2015

First Elected MP

Beaches-East York, defeated NDP incumbent

Strategic Situation

TWO RACES,
ONE CANDIDATE.

RACE 1: Scarborough SW By-Election

Doly Begum's Vacated Seat

Status: Seeking OLP nomination (vs. Qadira Jackson, Ali Demircan)

Timing: By-election likely Summer 2026 (writ by Aug 3, 2026)

2025 Result: NDP 42.89% | PC 30.65% | LIB 22.94%

Advantage: Profile, cabinet experience, 4 federal campaigns

RACE 2: OLP Leadership

Winner Announced Nov 21, 2026

Status: Strongly signaled candidacy

Vote: Nov 9-20, 2026 (electronic ranked ballot)

Deadline: Nomination by July 31, 2026 at 5pm

2023 Result: Lost to Crombie 46.6% to 53.4% (3rd ballot)

THE STRATEGIC CALCULUS

If Erskine-Smith wins the Scarborough SW by-election (summer 2026), he becomes an MPP before the leadership vote (Nov 21, 2026). "I'm already in Queen's Park fighting Ford" beats "I'm a federal MP asking for your trust." -- Peter Graefe, McMaster University

NES

2026 Leadership Candidate

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

Federal MP (Beaches-East York) | Former Housing Minister

"I believe Ontario is a place where every voice matters. Where your government listens and treats every single person in the province with respect. I believe in a place where we find common ground and meet in the middle so we can build a prosperous future for all of us."

Born: June 15, 1984 (age 41), Toronto
Education: BA Politics, JD (Queen's), BCL/MLaw (Oxford)
Pre-Politics: Commercial litigation lawyer, pro bono for CCLA
Cabinet: Minister of Housing (Dec 2024 - May 2025)
Elected: 2015, 2019, 2021, 2025 (4x MP)
Family: Wife Amy Symington, two sons

After six years, Doug Ford and the Conservatives have made it abundantly clear they are not in it for the real people of Ontario. Doug Ford chooses to use your tax dollars to make his friends and insiders richer, while you fall behind. You deserve better.

Beaches-East York Scarborough Southwest Former MP

Political History & Achievements

Member of Parliament

Beaches-East York (2015-2025)

Served four terms as federal MP (67.7% in 2025). Minister of Housing under Trudeau & Carney (Dec 2024 - May 2025).

2023 OLP Leadership Race

Runner-Up - Final Ballot

Transformed the provincial conversation with substance over soundbites, championing OMOV and grassroots renewal.

Policy Reformer

Drug Policy & Digital Privacy

Championed drug policy reform and digital privacy legislation, tackling complex issues with nuanced approaches.

Integrity Champion

Campaign Finance Reform

Led the push to ban corporate and union influence in leadership contests, ensuring grassroots voices prevail.

Generational Leadership

MILLENNIAL
MAVERICK.

As a millennial leader, Nate occupies a critical space in our political landscape. He represents the generation that grew up at the intersection of the analogue and digital worlds, giving him a unique perspective on how to modernize our institutions.

Bill-Led Innovation: Weaving technology into legislative frameworks

Intergenerational Equity: Housing, climate, and economic hurdles for younger Ontarians

Trust through Transparency: Data-driven governance for digital-native voters

Gen X
Mill
Gen Z

Bridging Generations

Boomers Connection | Leading Gen Z & The Future

The Case for Nate

WHY HE'S
RUNNING.

After six years, Doug Ford and the Conservatives have made it abundantly clear they are not in it for the real people of Ontario. Doug Ford chooses to use your tax dollars to make his friends and insiders richer, while you fall behind. You deserve better. Your government should be working for you.

1

Experience in Government

4 terms as federal MP, Housing Minister - he's done the job at the highest level

2

Independent Voice

Known for voting his conscience, challenging his own party when needed

3

Generational Bridge

Millennial leader who connects with Gen Z voters while respecting elders

4

Grassroots Champion

OMOV advocate - believes the party belongs to members, not insiders

Key Legislative Record

Bill C-246 Animal Protection
Bill S-203 Whale/Dolphin Captivity (Passed)
Bill C-460 Drug Decriminalization
HAF Enforcement Housing Minister Action

Recognition

Humane Legislator Award - Animal Justice

10 Years of Receipts

VERIFIED POLICY
RECORD.

HOUSING

Minister Dec 2024 - May 2025

  • Federal Housing Minister under Trudeau and Carney
  • Reaffirmed Canada Public Transit Fund for high-density housing
  • Warned Toronto: blocking six-plexes = 25% less HAF money
  • Critical of Ontario reducing social housing spending

ANIMAL WELFARE

His Signature Issue

  • Bill C-246: Modernizing Animal Protections Act
  • Seconded Bill S-203: Ending Whale/Dolphin Captivity (became law)
  • Founded Liberal Animal Welfare Caucus (2017)
  • Humane Legislator Award from Animal Justice

DRUG POLICY REFORM

Progressive Champion

  • Vice op-ed (2017): Called for decriminalization of ALL drug possession
  • Bill C-460: Remove criminal sanctions for low-level possession
  • Harm reduction advocate, evidence-based approach
  • Mental health and addiction as healthcare, not criminal issues

ELECTORAL REFORM

Democracy Champion

  • OMOV (One Member, One Vote) champion
  • Ban on corporate/union influence in leadership
  • End parachuted candidates - earn local support
  • Free votes - MPPs as community leaders, not vote numbers

The Grassroots Champion

POWER TO THE
RIDINGS.

PROTECT OMOV

We won One Member, One Vote. Now we must protect it from backroom attempts to dilute the power of individual members.

Constitutional

RIDING AUTONOMY

Local Riding Associations (PLAs) are the heart of the party. We are decentralizing funding to put tools back in local hands.

Mission Critical

END APPOINTMENTS

No more parachuted candidates. If you want to run for the Ontario Liberals, you earn the support of the people in that riding.

Constitutional Mandate

THE DIGITAL HUB

Building the infrastructure for real-time policy voting. Your phone should be your connection to the party's platform.

In Development

FREE THE MPPs

Ending the culture of strict whipped votes. MPPs should be leaders in their communities, not just numbers in a legislature.

Culture Shift

RADICAL TRANSPARENCY

Every dollar, every board decision, every meeting minute—available to every member. The party belongs to you.

100% Reliable

Real-Time Representation

LIQUID
CONSTITUENCY.

Integrating Liquid Democracy with an AI Command Center. Your vote, your proxy, your community—managed in real-time.

Dynamic Proxies

Delegate your vote to experts or vote directly on local bills.

AI Command Center

24/7 digital oversight of constituency needs and service tracking.

Direct-Action

Instant translation of community feedback into legislative action.

UPHEAVAL OS

Liquid Democracy System

Real-Time Constituent Feedback

Next Generation Policy

AI & THE FUTURE
OF WORK.

Revenue Innovation

TAADA TAX

Tax Automation And Displacement Adjustment - a progressive levy on companies that replace human workers with AI and automation. The revenue funds retraining and transition support.

Automation Tax Worker Transition

Youth Investment

FUND YOUTH

Massive investment in youth training programs to fight AI and automation-related job loss. Digital literacy, AI skills, and entrepreneurship for the next generation of Ontarians.

Reskilling Digital Literacy AI Training

Legislative Innovation

BILL-TO-TECH

Digital-first legislation design. Every bill considered for its technological implementation from day one. Modern governance for a digital province.

Digital Services Open Data

Talent Retention

AI PIPELINE

Provincial AI Research Institute to keep Ontario's best minds here. Partnerships with universities, startups, and industry to build the AI economy of the future.

Research Startups Talent

Student Issues

OSAP & EDUCATION

Doug Ford's cuts to OSAP have devastated Ontario students. Nate is committed to reversing these harmful policies and making post-secondary education accessible to all Ontarians.

Restore OSAP Grants

Reverse Ford's cuts that converted grants to loans, burdening students with debt

Eliminate Interest on Student Loans

Ontario students shouldn't profit banks while pursuing education

Tuition Freeze & Reduction

Make education affordable, not a pathway to lifelong debt

Support International Students

Fair treatment and pathways to permanent residency

$2B+

Cut from OSAP by Ford government

40%

Reduction in student grants since 2019

$32K

Average student debt at graduation

Generational Leadership

BUILDING A FUTURE
FOR ALL GENERATIONS.

GEN Z (1997-2012)

FIRST-TIME VOTERS & STUDENTS

You're entering a world of climate crisis, housing unaffordability, and student debt. Nate fights for a province where your future isn't predetermined by your parents' wealth.

OSAP restoration & tuition freeze
Net-Zero 2040 climate action
Entry-level housing programs
Mental health access expansion

MILLENNIALS (1981-1996)

NATE'S GENERATION - THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Caught between aging parents and raising kids, facing housing costs your parents never imagined. Nate is one of you - he understands the squeeze.

$10/day childcare expansion
Missing middle housing
Family doctor access
Elder care support

GEN X & BOOMERS

LEGACY & DIGNITY

You built Ontario. Now Ford is privatizing your healthcare and making it harder to age with dignity. Nate will protect what you've earned.

Stop healthcare privatization
Home care investment
Long-term care reform
Pension protection

Policy Platform

KEY
PRIORITIES.

Housing

Aggressive zoning reform, purpose-built rentals, and rent stabilization to make Ontario affordable again.

Healthcare

Expanding access to family doctors, mental health services, and ending hallway medicine.

Transit

Investing in regional transit, electrification, and connecting communities across the province.

Climate

Evidence-based climate action, green jobs, and building a sustainable economy for future generations.

For All Ontarians

GENERATIONAL
COMPACT.

GEN Z

Digital-first engagement, climate action, and affordable pathways to education and housing.

YOUNG FAMILIES

Childcare support, family housing, and work-life balance policies for modern families.

LEGACY & DIGNITY

Senior care, healthcare access, and respecting the contributions of all generations.

Campaign Assets

SOCIAL
CAROUSEL.

Scarborough Southwest

LOCAL
PRIORITIES.

TRANSIT EXPANSION

Line 2 Scarborough Extension

Scarborough has waited decades for reliable rapid transit. The Line 2 extension must be completed on time, connecting our community to jobs and opportunities across the GTA.

Kennedy Station Scarborough Centre

SCARBOROUGH HEALTH

SHN Investment

Scarborough Health Network serves 850,000+ residents but has been chronically underfunded. We need real investment in emergency care, wait times, and staff retention.

Birchmount General Centenary

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Missing Middle & Rentals

As Housing Minister, I fought for density and affordability. Scarborough needs purpose-built rentals, missing middle housing, and real rent stabilization.

Rent Control Six-plexes

NEWCOMER SUCCESS

Credential Recognition

Scarborough is one of Canada's most diverse communities. We must fast-track credential recognition so skilled newcomers can contribute fully from day one.

Settlement Language

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Youth Investment

Real safety comes from opportunity. We need investment in youth programs, community centers, and after-school activities - not just enforcement.

Youth Jobs Rec Centers

SMALL BUSINESS

Main Street Recovery

Lawrence Ave, Kingston Rd, and our local plazas are the backbone of Scarborough's economy. We need property tax relief and support for family-owned businesses.

Tax Relief BIA Support
"I believe Ontario is a place where every voice matters. Where your government listens and treats every single person in the province with respect."

— Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

Hosted by Nate

UNCOMMON GROUND

Nate hosts "Uncommon Ground" - a podcast that brings together people from across the political spectrum for real conversations. No soundbites. No gotchas. Just honest dialogue about the issues that matter.

Cross-partisan dialogue - Conservatives, NDPers, Greens all welcome

Evidence-based - Policy experts, academics, practitioners

Real solutions - Moving beyond partisan talking points

Recent Episodes

Housing Crisis Solutions

With urban planners & housing advocates

Drug Policy Debate

Harm reduction vs. enforcement

The Future of Work

AI, automation, and the workforce