Ontario’s opposition parties score in byelections

(Updated) Ontario could be much closer to a spring election after two opposition wins in Thursday’s byelections.

New Democrat Wayne Gates, a Niagara Falls city councillor, defeated former Progressive Conservative MPP Bart Maves. The Liberals came a distant third despite having held the riding for the past decade.

Optometrist Gila Martow held onto Thornhill for the Progressive Conservatives. Many considered the win essential for leader Tim Hudak.

Premier Kathleen Wynne downplayed the the Liberals’ chances before the vote. She called byelections “unique creatures” that allow people to lodge a protest against the government. She cautioned against reading too much into the results.

The byelections were widely seen as a chance to test voter intentions and party messages. A general election could come as early as this spring.