Cathay Wagantall becomes tenth Canadian MP to resign this year

Saskatchewan Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall officially resigned from the House of Commons on Monday, marking the tenth Member of Parliament to step down this year. Wagantall, who has represented the Yorkton—Melville riding since 2015, did not provide a specific reason for her departure.

The wave of resignations has triggered several byelections. In recent results, the Liberal Party successfully defended two seats previously held by former cabinet ministers Jonathan Wilkinson and Nate Erskine-Smith. Additionally, the Liberal Party gained the Chicoutimi—Le Fjord seat, formerly held by Quebec Conservative Richard Martel, who transitioned to the Senate.

Other notable departures this year include Ontario Conservative Larry Brock, who intends to return to his role as a Crown prosecutor, and former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, who moved to a role as CEO of the Rhodes Trust. The House of Commons is scheduled to reconvene on September 21.