‘What we’ve been hearing is that things are better for us in Quebec. But we lost. So, things are bad’
OTTAWA – In just a few days, the Liberals faced major setbacks in Quebec. They lost a former stronghold in Montreal, their Quebec lieutenant resigned, and the premier of Quebec urged MPs to bring down the federal Liberal government. While the Liberal Party of Canada has had tough weeks before, this past week was one of the worst.
After the results of the LaSalle—Émard—Verdun byelection were announced early Tuesday morning, it became clear that the Liberals had lost a riding they had dominated for decades. This defeat sparked harsh criticism, especially in Montreal. A political analyst on 98.5 FM, one of the most listened-to radio shows in Quebec, posed a blunt question: “When will Justin Trudeau resign?” The call for Trudeau’s resignation is becoming louder in his home province, and even in his own hometown. However, Trudeau has made it clear that he has no plans to step down anytime soon.
LaSalle—Émard—Verdun was once considered a Liberal stronghold. The riding is located in Montreal, a city with a diverse population and a well-established base of Liberal supporters. Volunteers in the area are numerous, experienced, and have a proven track record of helping the party secure victories.
For instance, in the 2021 federal election, former attorney general David Lametti cruised to an easy win, defeating his opponents by 10,000 votes. The riding was also home to former prime minister Paul Martin, who held his seat for 20 years before the riding’s name and boundaries changed in 2012.
This time, things were different. The Liberals lost by about 250 votes to the Bloc Québécois in a surprising and significant upset. The mood within the party has been bleak. Sources, speaking off the record, described the atmosphere as “depressed,” “demotivated,” “shocked,” and “hurt.”
For a party used to dominating this riding, the loss has been a wake-up call, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with Trudeau and his government, particularly in Quebec.
