Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called by-elections in three federal ridings:

• Vaughan, Ontario
• Dauphin–Swan River–Marquette (Manitoba)
• Winnipeg North (Manitoba)

Currently there are no official candidates listed for these by-elections on the Elections Canada website, but it’s been widely reported that Julian Fantino, the Ontario Police Commissioner Julian Fantino, will be the Conservative candidate.

The Vaughan riding is considered a “Liberal stronghold”, so running Fantino there gives the Conservatives high hopes of winning this riding for the first time in ages.

He’ll reportedly face Tony Genco, who is running under the slogan “Here for Vaughan”.  Tony’s website is, so far, light on content, but The Toronto Star is calling this a make or break for Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff.

To quote the Star article:

The federal Liberal party has been up and down in the polls since Michael Ignatieff became its leader almost two years ago but he still has to pass his first real electoral test.

That test is expected to be upon the Liberal leader shortly and if the Conservatives can help it, it will kill Ignatieff’s already modest momentum in the bud.

Gee, that would break my heart.  :)

Bloc Quebecois MP Jean-Yves Roy resigned his seat on October 22nd, and Prince George–Peace River MP Jay Hill resigned his seat on Monday, leaving two more by-election to be called.