Affordability and housing top issues for many as Durham residents prepare to vote in byelection

Affordability and housing are big issues for many in Durham Region as residents prepare for a federal byelection.

The byelection was declared earlier this year to fill a seat left vacant by former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole, who retired from politics last year. 

Brianna Moorcroft, a longtime resident of the riding, plans to vote for the first time this byelection.

"I feel really excited about it," said the 19-year-old Oshawa resident. "Being able to be engaged in my community is something that I've always looked forward to."

Among her priorities are affordability of everyday living expenses, affordable housing options, especially near campuses, and better investments in public transit. Several residents who spoke to CBC Toronto on Thursday echoed those concerns.

• Do you have questions about this byelection or what it could mean for the next federal election? Send an email to ask@cbc.ca.

Moorcroft says she has to do more research to learn about all the candidates before casting her ballot. However, she is concerned that candidates haven't made as much effort as she'd like to target young voters like her, considering the riding is home to both Durham College and Ontario Tech University.

Candidates who spoke to CBC Toronto said they are hearing concerns about housing and affordability and are doing all they can to reach as many voters as possible, including knocking on doors, attending events and planning get-out-the-vote efforts.

Candidates try to get out the vote

Conservatives have held the riding of Durham for the past two decades.

Lawyer Jamil Jivani is trying to keep the seat Tory blue. He did not respond to requests for an interview. However, in a campaign video posted to X, formerly Twitter, he referred to himself as someone who is a "fighter" for hard-working families, who will "lead with compassion." 

He says in the video he has proven himself by standing up to big corporations, mainstream media and "the woke establishment". 

Robert Rock, who's running for the Liberals, said in an interview that he thinks people in the riding who may have supported O'Toole's brand of Conservativism, "are ready to make a change."

The Scugog municipal councillor says there is good energy around the campaign to help him do that, including visits to the riding from the Prime Minister and other elected MPs.  He says he will advocate for affordability, housing, seniors, healthcare and the nuclear industry.

Chris Borgia, running for the New Democratic Party, said in an interview that the election is "a really good opportunity to change the channel." 

If elected, he says he hopes to "secure more affordable housing, make healthcare more accessible, and start putting in affordability measures that are going to help you and your families." He says despite the publicity challenges that can often come with a byelection, people he's speaking to know there is an election coming and are eager to vote. 

Green Party candidate Kevin MacKenzie, a school board trustee, said he was not doing interviews at this time. Green party leader Elizabeth May and deputy Jonathan Pedneault held a special event in the riding with the candidate earlier this month. 

Also on the ballot: Grant Abraham for the United Party of Canada, Patricia Conlin for the People's Party of Canada,  Khalid Qureshi for the Centrist Party, Adam Smith for Parti Rhinocéros Party and Pranay Gunti, who is running as an independent.

What you need to know to vote

Advance polls are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Feb. 23 until Feb. 26. Residents of the riding who are Canadian citizens and 18 or older can also vote on election day on March 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Voters must cast their ballot at their assigned location. 

There is also an option to vote by special ballot at the returning office by 6 p.m. on Feb. 27. That's also the deadline to apply to vote by mail.

Matthew McKenna, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, says you do not need photo ID to vote, but need cards or documents showing your name and address. There is also an option for someone to attest that you live in the riding, he says.

If you did not receive a voting card, you can still vote, he says.

McKenna says Durham residents should check the Elections Canada website to confirm they live in the Durham riding as Durham Region is broken up into multiple ridings, which can cause confusion. He says entering your postal code on the Elections Canada website is the easiest way to check.