Full Breakdown
Parti Québécois Secures Chicoutimi Byelection as NDP MP Considers Provincial Shift
2/24/2026, 6:32:46 AM
Chicoutimi Byelection Results
The Parti Québécois (PQ) has emerged victorious in the Chicoutimi byelection, marking its fourth consecutive byelection win ahead of the provincial election scheduled for October 2023. Marie-Karlynn Laflamme, the PQ candidate and former vice-rector of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, garnered over 45% of the votes, significantly ahead of Catherine Morissette from the Conservative Party of Quebec, who received just over 25%. The byelection was necessitated by the departure of former cabinet minister Andrée Laforest, who left provincial politics after an unsuccessful mayoral bid in Saguenay. This victory increases the PQ's representation in the National Assembly to seven members, a notable rise from the four seats held after the 2022 general election.
Context of the Byelection
Chicoutimi has historically been a stronghold for the PQ, although it was previously held by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) under Laforest. The byelection results reflect a broader trend of declining support for the CAQ, which has been in power for nearly two terms. The CAQ's Francis Tremblay aimed to retain the seat, but the party's waning popularity has raised concerns about its future electoral prospects. Concurrently, the PQ's leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has indicated plans to hold a sovereignty referendum by 2030 if elected premier.
NDP MP's Potential Move to Provincial Politics
In a related political development, Alexandre Boulerice, the last remaining New Democratic Party (NDP) MP from Quebec, is contemplating a run for Québec Solidaire in the upcoming provincial election. Boulerice, who has served as an MP since 2011, acknowledged that while he is currently focused on his federal responsibilities, he is open to the possibility of transitioning to provincial politics. His departure would leave the NDP without representation in Quebec, a significant loss given the party's recent struggles in the province.
Implications for Political Landscape
Boulerice's potential shift could create an opportunity for the Bloc Québécois or the Liberals to reclaim his Montreal riding in a byelection. The NDP's presence in Quebec has diminished significantly, with the party re-electing only seven MPs in the last federal election. Meanwhile, Québec Solidaire, which currently holds 11 seats in the provincial legislature, faces predictions of losing seats in the upcoming election, with recent polls indicating a drop in voter support.
Official Statements & Responses
The PQ's recent byelection victory has been framed as a resurgence for the party, with Laflamme's win viewed as a critical step toward regaining influence in Quebec politics. Boulerice's contemplation of a provincial run has sparked discussions about the future of the NDP in Quebec, with fellow party members expressing concern over the potential loss of his seat.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Alex has just been a tremendous MP. It would be a huge hit to our party,” — Gord Johns, NDP MP
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the PQ's victory is widely reported, there are varying interpretations of the implications for the CAQ's future. Some sources suggest that the CAQ's decline is a temporary setback, while others argue it signals a more profound shift in voter sentiment against the party. Additionally, Boulerice's potential move remains speculative, with no official confirmation of his decision at this time.
