Former Liberal Member of Parliament Nate Erskine-Smith announced he is running for Toronto City Council in Ward 19 Beaches—East York.
The move signals a return to public service for a high-profile politician seeking to pivot from federal and provincial ambitions to municipal governance.
Erskine-Smith previously served as the MP for Beaches—East York from 2015 until 2025 [1]. During his tenure in Ottawa, he held a senior cabinet role as the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities from late 2024 to mid-2025 [2].
His transition to the municipal race follows a period of political instability. He experienced a turbulent exit from federal politics and subsequently lost a nomination for the Ontario Liberals [3, 4]. He said he wants to work with the community in his home ward.
The race for Ward 19 [4] is becoming increasingly crowded. Nearly 12 candidates are now running for the seat [4].
Erskine-Smith had previously discussed the possibility of a municipal run during a meeting with Mayor Olivia Chow [5]. The announcement comes just before the filing deadline for the upcoming municipal election.
His platform is expected to draw on his experience in housing and infrastructure, areas that remain central to Toronto's current urban challenges.
“Former Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith announced he is running for Toronto City Council in Ward 19.”
Erskine-Smith's entry into the Ward 19 race brings significant federal and cabinet-level experience to the local council level. His previous role as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities aligns with Toronto's ongoing struggle to manage growth and housing affordability, potentially making him a heavyweight candidate in a crowded field of nearly a dozen contenders.
