Quebec NDP Member of Parliament (MP) Alexandre Boulerice expressed on Monday his serious contemplation of running for Québec Solidaire in the upcoming provincial election. Reports from French-language media last week initially indicated Boulerice’s interest in joining the progressive sovereignist party this fall.
When questioned by reporters on Parliament Hill, Boulerice acknowledged his current federal mandate but disclosed that he is exploring the possibility of a provincial bid. Québec Solidaire was established two decades ago through the merger of several progressive provincial parties, some of which originated from a dissolved Quebec branch of the NDP.
If Boulerice transitions to provincial politics, it would result in the federal NDP losing its representation in Quebec. Elected in 2011, Boulerice stands as the final MP remaining from the “Orange Wave” that surged through the province under former leader Jack Layton during the federal election that year.
BC NDP MP Gord Johns emphasized the significant loss Boulerice’s departure would pose to the party if he chooses to exit federal politics. Boulerice’s potential resignation could create an opportunity for the Bloc Québécois or Liberals to secure the Montreal riding in a byelection, given the NDP’s diminishing presence in Quebec over the years.
With Boulerice being the sole NDP representative east of Manitoba following the party’s disappointing electoral outcome in April, the NDP is undergoing a leadership contest to replace former leader Jagmeet Singh, who lost his seat along with only seven re-elected MPs. The lack of a strong NDP presence in Quebec further underscores the potential impact of Boulerice’s shift to provincial politics.
Québec Solidaire recently approved an exception to their candidate selection rules to allow a man to run in the Montreal riding of Gouin, which overlaps with Boulerice’s current riding of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. The party, presently holding 11 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) in the provincial legislature, faces predictions of potential seat losses in the upcoming election based on recent surveys indicating a decline in voter support for the party.
