Ruth Ellen Brosseau: Back in the Game
Remember the 2011 "orange wave" that swept the NDP into power in Quebec? Well, Ruth Ellen Brosseau's name is pretty synonymous with that. Fourteen years later, she's throwing her hat back into the ring, announcing her candidacy in Berthier-Maskinongé—the very riding she won all those years ago. Honestly, who saw that coming?
From Underdog to…Well, Still an Underdog (But a Familiar One)
Brosseau's first win was legendary. She hadn't even *visited* her riding before the election! There was a *lot* of talk about it, especially after her trip to Las Vegas during the campaign. You know how sometimes things just spiral? Yet, somehow, she won. She even became the party's agriculture critic and managed to win re-election in 2015. But things didn’t go her way in 2019 and 2021; the latter loss was by fewer than 1,000 votes. Ouch.
So, yeah, she’s been through the wringer. But she’s not giving up.
An Uphill Climb in Quebec
Let's be real, the NDP isn't exactly topping the polls in Quebec right now. The Liberals and Conservatives are way ahead. It's a tough battle, no question. But Brosseau's using her experience – and what she's learned from past campaigns – to her advantage. She's focusing on issues that really matter to the people of Berthier-Maskinongé: river protection, better infrastructure, and finally getting decent high-speed internet. These are issues people actually care about.
Jagmeet Singh's Got Her Back
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is fully behind Brosseau. He sees her as a symbol of what the party *could* be in Quebec. He's out campaigning with her, highlighting her resilience and the possibility of change. He's even pushing voter turnout with things like the "HowYouVote.ca" website – a smart move to boost the NDP's numbers.
Brosseau's Unwavering Optimism
Brosseau herself is incredibly optimistic. She points to her past wins as proof that things can change quickly in politics. She thinks voters are ready for something different from the Liberals and Conservatives, and that her experience and dedication to the issues facing Berthier-Maskinongé will resonate with people. Maybe she's right.
Will Lightning Strike Twice?
This comeback isn't just about Brosseau's personal ambition; it's a huge test for the NDP in Quebec. Her story – from initial skepticism to achieving some impressive things – is a fascinating part of the Canadian political scene. Will she pull it off? It's anyone's guess, but her determination and Jagmeet Singh's support show they’re definitely trying to shake things up.
