Alexandre Boulerice, the only federal NDP MP in Quebec, declared on Monday his decision to depart from the party and pursue a provincial candidacy with Québec Solidaire. Boulerice expressed his desire to collaborate with progressive individuals in the Canadian Parliament and work towards a better North America once Quebec achieves sovereignty. His announcement, made from his current federal riding of Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, was supported by Québec Solidaire’s co-spokespersons Ruba Ghazal and Sol Zanetti, who commended his alignment with their left-leaning and sovereigntist party.
Zanetti emphasized that Boulerice’s joining Québec Solidaire signifies a significant endorsement of the party’s pro-independence agenda. Ghazal echoed this sentiment, stating that having progressive figures like Alexandre is beneficial not only for Québec Solidaire but also for the people of Quebec. Boulerice revealed his plan to sit as an Independent immediately and formally resign the day before the provincial election campaign begins. He confirmed his intention to run in the Gouin riding in Montreal, which overlaps with his current federal riding and is the seat of former Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.
Despite recent polling showing Québec Solidaire trailing behind other major parties, Boulerice expressed confidence in the party’s values and priorities, emphasizing his commitment to progressivism, humanism, and key issues such as public services, workers’ rights, and women’s rights. Québec Solidaire, established two decades ago through the merger of progressive provincial parties, shares a historical connection with the disbanded Quebec wing of the NDP.
The departure of Boulerice from the federal NDP is a significant setback for the party, which now holds only five seats in the House of Commons, all situated west of Ontario. Boulerice’s exit marks the end of an era for the NDP in Quebec, but he expressed faith in the leadership of Avi Lewis to rebuild connections with Quebecers. Lewis acknowledged Boulerice’s principled decision to advocate for progressive values in a new political landscape.
Having been part of the Orange Wave in 2011, Boulerice hopes to ignite a similar movement for Québec Solidaire in the upcoming provincial elections. Party members believe Boulerice’s experience with the Orange Wave could pave the way for another successful campaign. Québec Solidaire aims to expand its influence in the National Assembly this fall, with more announcements expected to follow Boulerice’s decision to join the party.