NDP leader Avi Lewis will not run in Quebec byelection after Boulerice departure

Newly elected federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis says he will not run in an upcoming Quebec byelection triggered by the departure of longtime MP Alexandre Boulerice.

Boulerice announced he is leaving federal politics after 15 years to seek a provincial seat with Québec solidaire. He said in a statement that he believes his work in Ottawa is complete and described the move as a continuation of his political priorities at the provincial level.

According to his announcement, Boulerice framed the decision as a transition rather than a strategic calculation, while confirming he will vacate his seat in the House of Commons, prompting a byelection in Quebec.

Lewis, who was elected party leader less than a month ago, said he had encouraged Boulerice to remain in federal politics. He added that he does not intend to seek the vacant seat, saying Quebec voters should be represented by a candidate from the province and that it is too soon for him to consider entering Parliament through a byelection.

The departure leaves the federal New Democratic Party with five seats in the House of Commons and no representation in Quebec, a shift that could affect the party’s national positioning and its ability to advance policy in Parliament.