Amir Qadir believes Quebec Solidarity needs to prepare for leadership

Vicky Fragasso-Marquis
The Canadian Press

In an interview on Saturday, Mr Qadir, who spearheaded the founding of QS, was pleased that his “marginal” political structure had initially become “inevitable” and a “major alternative” in Quebec.

In 2006, the Quebec Solidarity Party was formed after a merger between the Union des Force Progressives (UFP), of which Mr. Qadir was the spokesperson, and Franకోois David’s feminist party Option Sitoyanne.

In the first election test of the 2007 general election, the party received less than 4% of the popular vote and failed to elect a deputy. Eleven years later, in 2018, the picture is completely different: he managed to win 16% of the vote, elected 10 deputies and he now represents the second opposition in the National Assembly.

“This is the party that has so far embraced the institutionalization challenge,” explained Eric Montig, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Laval University.

“That is, there has been growth since its inception, a constant presence in the National Assembly to the point of becoming a recognized parliamentary group, which is no small matter for a political party seeking opposition to the system.”

This poses challenges, as the party needs to ensure a link between the parliamentary section “works in institutions” and its militant base “apparently anti-system”, Mr Montig warns.

However, according to Mr Qadir, the Quebec Solidarity has succeeded in securing the unity of its forces, especially in spite of differences, especially on secularism and the national question.

He argued that the right-left polarization in Quebec would favor QS in a way that could harm a more central party such as the party Quebecois.

Changing the political structure

Mr Montigni’s coalition, such as the D’Venir Quebec (CAQ) and the useless Action Democratic du Quebec (ADQ), helped Quebec Solidair “change the architectural axis for Quebec politics”.

“Before Quebec Solidarity, ADQ and CAQ, what we had as a policy was yes and not independence, which shaped the political debate,” he said.

“With the advent of Quebec Solidair after ADQ and CAQ, what we saw was this” yes no independence “split, compatible with more axes. Multiple like all issues on the left and right.”

According to this specialist, Quebec Solidair will face many pitfalls in terms of the next campaign.

For example, a party seeking power faces a barrage of questions and a closer look at its proposals.

The QS should increase its support until the next election, which is not currently needed, Montigne said.

More central party?

Can Quebec Solidarity gain access to government without focusing on political debate?

“There are not many moderate voters left in Quebec,” Mr Montigni said.

He said it would be very challenging for the party to win the elections without focusing on the debate.

Former MP Amir Qadir is of the view that the party should not compromise if it wants to gain power at all costs.

“I say: patience, but at the same time agility and openness to seize opportunities without compromising on what is needed. “