Following an intriguing series of events, QS seeks to demonstrate its utility.
The Shifting Tides of Quebec Solidaire (QS)
After a tumultuous legislative stint marked by losses and shake-ups, QS is determined to prove its worth ahead of the 2026 general elections. Co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal confirmed that their attention is squarely on the future, brushing off recent setbacks like the Terrebonne by-election and the departure of Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.
"QS has been at the forefront in exposing the CAQ's clandestine attempts to obscure cuts that harm our public services, hardworking individuals, particularly women, and Quebec families," Ghazal stated, summarizing the party's work over the past few months before the National Assembly adjourned for the summer.
The road ahead for QS this year hasn't always been smooth. In March, the party garnered less than 5% of votes in the Terrebonne by-election, with its candidate, Nadia Poirier, criticizing the party's lack of support during the campaign. Poirier later joined the Quebec Liberal Party, which won the northern shore riding.
On March 20, just three days after the Terrebonne vote, Nadeau-Dubois officially announced his departure from his position and confirmed he wouldn't be running again in 2026. Despite this "historic spokesperson's" departure, Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, interim male co-spokesperson, asserted that QS remains prominent, driving crucial issues such as tenant rights, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital renovation, and defense of striking workers.
"Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, undeniably, represents the loss of a significant figure for Quebec solidaire," Ghazal acknowledged. However, she clarified, "this isn't the first time we’ve faced such losses. When Françoise David left, all I heard was 'it's over'. But it wasn't."
A Step Back in Terrebonne
While keeping an eye on 2026, Ghazal conceded that she missed her candidate's rally on the night of the Terrebonne by-election. Though she was quick to emphasize that this mistake should not be generalized. The exit of Nadia Poirier does not imply a similar departure for other QS militants and candidates.
The party continues to champion the voice and interests of workers, eliciting much positivity from members who appreciate QS's unwavering focus on this issue.
At the upcoming national council weekend, QS members will decide whether to endorse a manifesto published in April by the co-spokespersons, slating workers' rights as the top priority for the left-wing political party by 2026. Earlier this year, Ghazal expressed her intention to make this "the guiding star" of the left-wing political party.
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"Quebec Solidaire (QS) has maintained its focus on political policy-and-legislation, specifically advocating for workers' rights and tenants, despite the recent Terrebonne by-election loss and the departure of Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois," Ghazal stated.
"Amidst the upcoming 2026 general elections, QS continues to engage in general-news discourse, such as the CAQ's efforts to conceal cuts affecting public services and families, and remains committed to driving crucial issues affecting the general population," Ghazal added.
