Bloc Quebecois make gains in early election results, confirming party’s resurgence
MONTREAL — Early election returns are indicating a Bloc Quebecois resurgence in Quebec, with the party leading in more than 30 ridings.
One hour after polls closed in the province, the party was elected or leading in 34 of the province’s 78 ridings, a significant leap from the 10 it won last election.
Widely considered moribund a little more than a year ago, the sovereigntist federal party and its members are hoping gains made tonight will eventually lead to a rekindling of a Quebec independence movement that has been on the decline for years.
Party leader Yves-Francois Blanchet campaigned on a platform that affirmed Quebec nationhood but that downplayed independence from Canada.