Are Quebec Liberal strongholds safe?
The Quebec Liberal Party will need to fend off even more competition this Oct. 3 if it wants to hold on to its seats, and it appears some Liberal strongholds are not as safe as they used to be.
For decades, the Liberals have enjoyed strong support on Montreal’s West Island and South Shore. While polls suggest Liberal support remains strong in those areas, increased competition means the party will have to consider new avenues to Quebec City.
Other parties have grown in popularity. Francois Legault’s CAQ is expected to sweep the province for a majority mandate, Quebec Solidaire is a strong contender to beat the Liberals in the popular vote, and there are three other parties (the Quebec Conservatives, The Canadian Party of Quebec, and Bloc Montreal) contending for English votes.
Meanwhile, political analysts say the party will need to do more to reach French-speaking voters if it wants to approach the CAQ’s base.
“The numbers that we have among Francophones are atrocious for the Liberals,” said poll analyst Phillippe J. Fournier. “Among non-Francophones and Anglophones, it’s much lower than it’s been.”
On the weekend prior to the election, poll aggregate QC125 suggests several former Liberal strongholds could be lost to other parties.
Verdun, which in 2014 went 50.6 per cent in favour to the Liberals, is now a toss-up between that party, Quebec Solidaire (QS), and the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ).
Supporters take pictures of Quebec Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade’s campaign bus as she arrives to a luncheon in Brossard, Que., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Perhaps even more troubling for the party, in Liberal leader Dominique Anglade’s riding of Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, there is also considerable QS and CAQ support.
That riding went deep red in 2014 with 50 per cent support, though that popularity has declined over time. Today, it’s just 30 per cent.
“I think certain seats are still safely in the Liberal column in the West Island, but you might see the majorities in those seats melt substantially,” said political analyst David Heurtel. “When Liberal voters are mad at the party, the way they react is they plain stay home.”
While not on the West Island, other ridings traditionally considered Liberal safe zones have seen inclines of support for other parties.
For example, the CAQ could pick up La Piniere on the South Shore, previously held by former health minister Gaeten Barrette.
Neighbouring Laporte is actually polling in favour of the CAQ after 49 per cent of residents there voted Liberal in 2014.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.