Canada PM Justin Trudeau calls two federal byelections for Sep 16

Following the resignation of New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Daniel Blaikie from his seat in Elmwood-Transcona after having worked in federal politics for nearly a decade of service -- to work more closely with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, the federal Liberals named Ian MacIntyre as their candidate for the ballot.

Since January, following the resignation of former justice minister David Lametti, Montreal's LaSalle—Emard—Verdun seat has been empty.

Having won the Montreal riding comfortably in three straight elections since 2015, Lametti was ejected from cabinet as part of Trudeau's massive cabinet shuffle last summer.

Trudeau hand-picked Montreal city Coun. Laura Palestini as the party's candidate but she will face NDP's Craig Suave, who represents the city's Sud-Ouest borough.

While the Conservatives named Louis Ialenti as its candidate, the Bloc Quebecois has not yet announced a candidate.

Since a shocking byelection loss in Toronto–St. Paul's in June, several caucus members had called for an emergency national meeting, which Trudeau refused with a belief that he will lead the party into the next election.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)