Québec Solidaire Seeks Gender Rule Exception for Gouin Riding Candidate
In a significant political development, Québec Solidaire has announced it will propose an exception to its gender parity rules for the Gouin riding in the upcoming 2026 provincial election. Reports indicate that the exception is specifically intended to allow NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice to run as a candidate, though party officials have not officially confirmed his identity.
Party Leadership Confirms Exception Vote
Ruba Ghazal, the party's co-spokesperson and parliamentary leader, confirmed on Wednesday that members will vote on whether to approve this exception. Ghazal described it as the "only exception" to the party's rule established for the 2026 election, which mandates that any new candidates in ridings already held by Québec Solidaire must be women or non-binary individuals.
"It will be the members who decide whether they accept that exception," Ghazal stated during a press conference. "And I'm confident that we'll find a way forward."
Defending Feminist Principles Amid Exception
Ghazal emphasized that gender parity remains a core priority for Québec Solidaire, describing the party as fundamentally feminist. "We are a feminist party. And parity, for us, is not just a wish or lip service like in the other parties — it's very serious since our founding in 2006, and we put measures in place," she explained.
Drawing from personal experience, Ghazal highlighted the challenges women face in politics, including threats that deter participation. "That's why the party puts measures in place to bring in more women," she said, while acknowledging that "exceptional cases" might warrant deviations from these rules.
Candidate Profile and Political Alignment
While Ghazal declined to confirm Boulerice as the candidate in question, she described the individual as a "well-known personality and very loved by the people in his riding." She confirmed the candidate is a sovereigntist, left-wing man, aligning with Québec Solidaire's political stance since its inception in 2006.
When questioned about potential contradictions in allowing exceptions to gender rules, Ghazal defended the party's approach. "It's an exception that confirms the rule; we are the only party that put in place serious measures to ensure parity between men and women," she asserted. "If you ask that question to other political parties, they don't have this type of measure because we take it seriously. And even with this exception, the principle will remain respected."
Background and Political Context
Alexandre Boulerice currently serves as the NDP MP for Montreal's Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie riding and is preparing for his fifth term. His potential candidacy in the Gouin riding represents a notable crossover between federal and provincial politics. Québec Solidaire's gender parity rule was specifically designed to increase female representation in ridings the party already holds, making this proposed exception particularly significant.
The party's commitment to feminist principles remains central to its identity, even as it navigates this exceptional circumstance. Ghazal's statements underscore the tension between maintaining strict gender rules and accommodating high-profile candidates who might strengthen the party's electoral prospects.
As Québec Solidaire prepares for the 2026 election, this exception vote will test the party's ability to balance its ideological commitments with practical political considerations. The outcome could set important precedents for how progressive parties implement gender parity measures while remaining competitive in electoral politics.
