Scarborough—Agincourt

Scarborough—Agincourt is a federal riding in the northeast corner of Toronto, Ontario, known as one of the most ethnically diverse constituencies in Canada. The by-election was called following the death of Liberal MP Arnold Chan, who passed away on September 14, 2017, after a battle with nasopharyngeal cancer. Chan had been first elected in a 2014 by-election and re-elected in 2015.

Candidates

Jean Yip (Liberal) — Yip is the widow of Arnold Chan and a career insurance professional who held the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation. She was a graduate of the University of Toronto and had become involved in constituency work during her husband's illness. She won the Liberal nomination over Gordon Lam in November 2017.

Dasong Zou (Conservative) — Zou was a banking professional who won the Conservative nomination over physician Benson Lau, the riding's 2008 Conservative candidate.

Brian Chang (NDP) — Chang was a journalist who was acclaimed as the NDP candidate in November 2017.

About the Riding

Scarborough—Agincourt is located in the northwestern portion of the former City of Scarborough, now part of Toronto. It is bounded by Steeles Avenue East to the north, Victoria Park Avenue to the west, Highway 401 to the south, and Midland Avenue to the east. The riding contains the neighbourhoods of Agincourt, L'Amoreaux, Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan, and parts of Milliken and Steeles.

The riding is notable for having the highest proportion of immigrants of any federal riding in Canada, with approximately 68% of residents born outside the country according to the 2016 census. A majority of the population traces their origins to East and Southeast Asia, with Chinese-Canadians forming the largest single community, followed by significant South Asian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan populations. The area is known for its concentration of Chinese and East Asian businesses, restaurants, and shopping centres, particularly along the Sheppard Avenue and Finch Avenue corridors.

The riding's economy is driven by small business, retail, and the service sector, with numerous shopping plazas and commercial strips serving the diverse population. Healthcare and education are also major employers, with several hospitals and schools in the area. The riding is well-served by public transit, including connections to the Toronto subway system, and Highway 401 provides a major east-west transportation corridor along its southern boundary.