Fourteen years post-orange wave, the NDP faces dwindling voter support in Quebec, with Alexandre Boulerice as its sole representative engaged in grassroots campaigning. Despite his community ties and achievements like the federal dental insurance program, challenges persist, including the housing crisis and economic uncertainties. Polls show the NDP at 9%, risking a significant decline in seats. Boulerice acknowledges the tough political landscape shaped by recent events, emphasizing the need to secure at least 12 seats to retain official party status.
Challenges Facing the NDP in Quebec
Fourteen years after the surge of support known as the orange wave, the New Democratic Party (NDP) is witnessing a significant drop in voter enthusiasm. Alexandre Boulerice, the last remaining NDP representative in Quebec, is actively engaging with constituents in his Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie riding in a bid to secure his seat.
On a chilly Saturday at the end of March, Boulerice embarks on his routine door-to-door visits, a practice he maintains four times a week during the election season. “He’s a genuine person doing genuine work, that’s why I support him,” shares Isabelle Lemelin, a local voter.
Community Engagement and Key Issues
In a district where Boulerice has held office for four consecutive terms since 2011, he finds that many voters he encounters express their support. “He has been dedicated to our community for years with impressive outcomes,” notes resident Élodie Gelin.
Boulerice points to the NDP’s accomplishments, such as the federal dental insurance program launched last year, which benefits Canadians with low to moderate incomes lacking private insurance. “People express their gratitude to me,” he affirms.
This riding, home to nearly 120,000 residents, has around 70% of households renting, and the ongoing housing crisis is a prominent concern. During his campaign, a man approached Boulerice, sharing his plight of being evicted by a landlord converting multiple apartments into a single residence. In response, Boulerice states, “Our platform aims to prohibit ‘renovictions’ and establish a public lease registry to control rent increases.”
Recent polls indicate that the NDP holds 45% of voter support, while the Liberals trail at 30%. Liberal candidate Jean-Sébastien Vallée believes there is potential for change, as many voters express a desire for a robust government.
Economic concerns are also prevalent, with voters like Giuseppe Formicola uncertain about where to cast their votes. “In the past, the Conservatives seemed beneficial for the economy, but I’m not sure this year,” he admits.
Political analyst André Lamoureux suggests that voters are questioning what measures are being implemented to counteract Donald Trump’s influence, noting that the NDP has not been vocal on this front.
Since the orange wave in 2011, the NDP has steadily declined, dropping from 103 seats in 2011 to just 25 in 2021, as Lamoureux recalls. Current polling shows the NDP at 9%, which could translate to only 5 seats. “This situation is unprecedented in NDP history, potentially marking their third weakest performance after 1993 and 2000,” he explains.
As the sole NDP MP in Quebec since 2019, Boulerice recognizes the uphill battle the party faces. “Elections are never straightforward for the NDP,” he reflects, choosing to concentrate on grassroots efforts rather than polling data. He adds, “The political landscape shifted dramatically with Donald Trump’s emergence. Last December, we were close to overtaking the Liberals as the primary progressive alternative to the Conservatives.”
The NDP must strive to secure at least 12 seats to maintain official party status, marking a critical challenge as they navigate this electoral landscape.