With Boulerice eyeing Quebec politics, NDP’s orange wave becomes a drought
The departure of NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice, the party's only representative in Quebec, signals a significant decline in NDP support in the province since their peak in 2011.
The National Post reports that the New Democratic Party (NDP) is struggling to maintain its influence in Quebec as its sole MP from the province, Alexandre Boulerice, is considering a switch to provincial politics with Quebec Solidaire (QS). The 'orange wave' of 2011 saw a historic rise in NDP representation in Quebec, but the party's fortunes have declined sharply since, with Boulerice's potential departure marking a significant loss. With the diminishing support for the NDP in Quebec, the party risks losing its last foothold in the province, which used to be a stronghold for their progressive policies.
Boulerice, who has been with the NDP for 15 years, has witnessed the party's decline firsthand. The once-thriving NDP presence in Quebec, which boasted more than 50 MPs following the 2011 elections, has eroded, with current predictions indicating that the number could dwindle to just Boulerice by 2026 if he chooses to leave the federal stage. His contemplation of leaving for provincial aims is not just personal but also reflects broader concerns within the party about its viability in Quebec politics moving forward.
As Boulerice weighs his future options, the party's leadership will need to reflect on their strategies in Quebec. The potential loss of Boulerice could indicate a further trend away from NDP support at both federal and provincial levels, necessitating a reevaluation of their approaches to engage Quebecois voters who may be gravitating toward other parties like QS. The implications of this shift could impact the NDP's overall strategy as they prepare for upcoming elections against a backdrop of decreased popularity and support in a once-prominent province.