Bay Street lawyer Claire Seaborn says she will seek Liberal nomination in Beaches-East York

Claire Seaborn, a Bay Street lawyer and former chief of staff to then-minister of energy and natural resources Jonathan Wilkinson, intends to seek the Liberal nomination in the Toronto riding of Beaches-East York. She confirmed her campaign in a statement to CBC News. "I've been fortunate to receive encouragement from many people I deeply respect in Beaches-East York," Seaborn said.

Seaborn added that she is a proud Liberal who listens, works hard, and knows how to get big things done. Her legal work focuses on environmental law and building major projects. She serves as an expert adviser to the Canada Climate Law Initiative and is a senior fellow with the University of Toronto's Munk School of Public Policy & Global Affairs.

Seaborn previously served as director of policy and legal affairs to then-minister of infrastructure and communities Catherine McKenna. She left Parliament Hill in April 2024 and currently works as a lawyer with Torys LLP. Seaborn was born and raised in East Toronto and lives in Beaches-East York with her husband and their two children.

The riding has been held by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith since 2015. He gave his final speech in the House of Commons last week and a farewell party for him is scheduled in the riding on June 25. Erskine-Smith lost a nomination race in Scarborough Southwest in May; his campaign appealed the loss and lost the appeal.

Jonathan Wilkinson has officially resigned his North Vancouver seat. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay has officially resigned his Quebec seat. Cathay Wagantall will step down as MP for Yorkton-Melville on Aug.

31. Alexandre Boulerice has said he will step down as NDP MP. Steven Guilbeault has said he will step down as Liberal MP. There are six upcoming federal byelections, though most of the seats have yet to be vacated.