Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay is anticipated to step down from his position once the parliamentary session concludes for the summer recess to contest in the upcoming Quebec provincial election, as per sources from Radio-Canada. Savard-Tremblay, who was first elected to the federal parliament in 2019, will be aligning himself with the Parti Québécois. Although an official announcement is scheduled for Friday, Savard-Tremblay is presently listed as an Independent on the House of Commons website.
Joining four other Members of Parliament who are also set to resign at the close of this parliamentary term, Savard-Tremblay’s move could prompt five upcoming byelections, three of which are expected in Quebec, before the summer ends.
Former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault declared on Wednesday his decision to vacate his seat at the end of the current session, raising concerns regarding Canada’s regression on climate initiatives. Additionally, Liberal representatives Jonathan Wilkinson and Nathaniel Erskine-Smith are anticipated to depart from their positions this summer. Wilkinson has been appointed as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union by Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Erskine-Smith is exploring a potential leadership bid for the Ontario Liberal Party.
Former New Democratic Party MP Alexandre Boulerice, akin to Savard-Tremblay, will also be contesting in the Quebec provincial election this fall under Québec Solidaire. Boulerice stated that he will maintain his status as an Independent MP until the provincial election is formally called.
The impending five byelections could jeopardize Carney’s majority. With the departure of three Liberal MPs, the governing party would be left with 171 seats in the House, just one short of the majority threshold when all seats are occupied.
The summer adjournment provides Carney with flexibility in terms of byelection scheduling, as MPs are expected to depart Ottawa in mid-June and reconvene on September 21.
Once an MP officially resigns, the Speaker is required to notify the chief electoral officer of the vacancy, triggering a timeframe of 11 to 180 days for the government to call a byelection. Byelection campaigns must last a minimum of 36 days, and additional processes follow after the ballots are tallied before an MP can claim their seat.
The Quebec provincial election is slated for October 5, barring any early election call by Premier Christine Fréchette.