Bloc Québécois faces setback as Quebec shifts toward Liberals

What started as a festive gathering under warm lights and a sea of blue-and-white flags slowly gave way to silence and solemn hugs, as supporters of the Bloc Québécois came to an unexpected electoral blow in the 2025 Canadian federal election. The party lost approximately one-third of its seats, dropping from 35 to about 23.

For Yves-François Blanchet, who has led the Bloc since the 2019 election, the result was a reminder of the party’s fragile foothold. He has led the party since 2019, through three federal elections. Though he’s kept the Bloc politically relevant, he’s never been on the winning side.

The drop comes at a time when support for the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is on the rise, especially in the strongholds of the Bloc Québécois. Carney has made a name for himself as a staunch supporter of Canadian sovereignty as tensions with US President Donald Trump rise.


Political scientist Stéphanie Chouinard calls the outcome a paradox. “A Liberal minority is ironically good for the Bloc as it gives them leverage,” she said. “But this result shows that Quebecers are more interested in collaboration than confrontation.”

Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet, who retained his seat in Beloeil–Chambly, addressed the crowd, “We will remain articulate, competent advocates,” he said. “But we must ensure that Quebec’s voice is not only heard, it is respected.”

According to Blanchet, he never sought the office of prime minister. “I am not running for power,” he reminded voters throughout the campaign. His message has always been direct and clear, “Quebec first, always.”

“I’m still having difficulty believing it,” said Alexis Deschênes, the newly elected Bloc MP for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine–Listuguj, speaking in French. A former lawyer and journalist, Deschênes stood onstage with tears in his eyes.

The movement that once championed independence must now search for new relevance in a province where younger voters are more concerned with rising costs of living, climate anxiety, and international diplomacy than the question of separation.