MONTREAL – Québec solidaire (QS) has made an exception to its internal rules regarding gender parity to allow a male candidate to run in the Gouin riding in the upcoming provincial elections, a move widely seen as clearing the path for federal NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice to seek a seat in Quebec’s National Assembly. The decision, approved Saturday by 74% of delegates at the party’s national council, marks a departure from QS’s commitment to prioritizing female and non-binary candidates in ridings the party already holds.
The move comes after QS, in June, decided that any open seats in ridings currently held by the party would be reserved for women or non-binary individuals. Gouin is currently represented by Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, a prominent figure within QS, who is stepping down. This exception for Gouin has sparked debate within the party and raised questions about the consistency of its gender parity policies. The decision underscores the party’s desire to secure a strong candidate in a key Montreal riding, potentially bolstering their chances in the next provincial election, expected in October 2026.
A Shift in Policy for a Key Riding
According to Radio-Canada, the party’s statutes, updated in November 2024, allow the national council to impose candidate selections based on gender, with the aim of promoting parity and representation within the QS caucus. However, the decision to build an exception in Gouin highlights the strategic importance the party places on the riding. Ruba Ghazal, co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire, acknowledged the unusual nature of the decision, stating, “It’s a strong choice, which will allow us to build an inspiring and experienced team for 2026. And I am proud that Québec solidaire is a leader in gender parity in politics. As the saying goes, the exception confirms the rule.”
The potential candidacy of Alexandre Boulerice has been the subject of speculation for some time. La Presse reports that this move effectively opens the door for Boulerice, a well-known figure in Quebec politics, to contest the seat.
Boulerice’s Potential Transition to Provincial Politics
Alexandre Boulerice, currently the deputy leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Canada, has served as the Member of Parliament for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie since 2011. His Wikipedia page details a background in union leadership, journalism, and political activism. Born on June 18, 1973, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Boulerice holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Montreal and pursued further studies in political science at UQAM and McGill University. He previously worked as a journalist for LCN and TVA.
The possibility of Boulerice joining Québec solidaire has prompted commentary on the potential implications for both provincial and federal politics. Marie Vastel, in an editorial for Le Devoir, suggests that this move represents a pragmatic approach by QS, potentially broadening its appeal. However, others, like those at Le Soleil, view it as a sign of Boulerice seeking a new political landscape.
Implications for Gender Parity and Future Elections
This decision by Québec solidaire has reignited the conversation around gender parity in politics. While the party maintains its commitment to the principle, the exception made for Gouin raises questions about the extent to which strategic considerations can override stated policies. The move is likely to be scrutinized by other parties and advocacy groups as Quebec prepares for the next provincial election. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how QS approaches similar scenarios in the future.
The next step will be to see whether Alexandre Boulerice formally announces his candidacy in Gouin. The party has not yet confirmed his intentions, but the recent vote strongly suggests that he will be welcomed as a candidate. Further announcements regarding candidate nominations across all ridings are expected in the coming months as Québec solidaire prepares its platform for the 2026 election.
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