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Seats in the House of Commons

Distribution of Seats, by Political Party

When Canadians vote in federal elections, they vote for the person they want to represent their electoral district in the House of Commons. There are 338 seats in the House of Commons, one for each electoral district. The person who wins the most votes becomes the member of Parliament (MP) for their electoral district and holds the seat until the next election.

Vacant Seats in the House of Commons

Sometimes, an MP gives up their seat between elections (for example, if they retire). When this happens, there is a vacant seat in the House of Commons, and a by-election is called to fill the vacancy.

Below is a list of vacant seats in the House of Commons following each federal election, dating back to 1997.