Liberals Face New Setback, Lose Another Stronghold in Montreal Byelection

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing mounting pressure as his Liberal Party lost another key stronghold in a stunning byelection upset. The Bloc Québécois secured a historic victory in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, a Montreal riding long considered a Liberal bastion, delivering yet another blow to Trudeau’s leadership amid growing calls for his resignation.

Voters in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun turned out on Monday, while a simultaneous vote in Winnipeg’s Elmwood—Transcona saw the NDP narrowly retain its seat after a hard-fought battle with the Conservatives. The Montreal riding, however, was the real shocker. The Bloc’s victory in this traditionally Liberal stronghold has raised eyebrows and signals a significant shift in Quebec’s political landscape, with potential ripple effects for Trudeau and the Liberals heading into a critical federal election year.

This latest defeat adds fuel to an already raging fire for Trudeau, who faced internal pressure after the Liberals unexpectedly lost Toronto—St. Paul’s to the Conservatives in a byelection earlier in June. For many within the party, the loss of another safe seat, this time to the Bloc Québécois, is further evidence that Trudeau’s grip on his party may be slipping.

Andrew Perez, a seasoned Liberal strategist, described the latest loss as “yet another nail in Justin Trudeau’s coffin,” reflecting the increasing frustration within Liberal ranks. Though byelections are often viewed as isolated events with limited long-term significance, the loss of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun is seen as a bellwether for broader political shifts occurring across the country.

“If Trudeau’s Liberals can’t hold this safe seat, it will spell even bigger trouble for the party’s prospects in Quebec and across Canada in a critical election year,” Perez warned, echoing the sentiments of other party insiders.

The victory by the Bloc Québécois was celebrated with fervor among its supporters, who flooded Montreal streets with Quebec flags and chanted slogans of independence. The Bloc had been in a tight three-way race with the Liberals and NDP right up until the final poll results came in. Ultimately, the Bloc’s candidate, Louis-Philippe Sauvé, clinched the seat by a razor-thin margin of just 248 votes ahead of the Liberals.

“We are here and we work hard because we believe in the interests of Quebec and we believe in independence,” Sauvé declared, emphasizing the Bloc’s commitment to its long-standing separatist ideals.

This win marks a significant triumph for the Bloc, which had not been expected to fare well in this particular riding. Christine Normandin, the Bloc’s deputy House leader, admitted that few would have predicted their success at the beginning of the campaign.

“Seeing tonight that it is a tight race, in itself for us, it’s a win. And it shows that there is support for what the Bloc does and the issues that we’re bringing to the House of Commons,” Normandin said.

While the Bloc celebrated its victory, the NDP also found reasons for optimism. Traditionally not a major player in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, NDP candidate Craig Sauvé made significant inroads, contending strongly for the seat throughout the evening. The tight race showcased the growing appeal of the NDP in Montreal, with Sauvé vowing to build on this momentum.

“If the NDP is competitive in Montreal, we’re going to win seats in Montreal, and Montrealers are going to see more NDP MPs at the next election,” Sauvé confidently told his supporters.

The byelection loss comes at a time when Trudeau is grappling with broader challenges, both within his party and across the country. Former justice minister David Lametti’s departure from politics left the Montreal seat vacant, prompting this contest. Despite the Liberals’ best efforts—including several ministerial visits to the riding—their efforts fell short.

As Trudeau looks ahead to the next federal election, the loss of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges his party faces, not only in Quebec but across Canada.