NDP Leader Avi Lewis says he’s not “phased” amid MP Alexandre Boulerice’s move to run provincially for Québec Solidaire on Monday. 

“This is a decision he has been mulling for many months,” Lewis told reporters at a press conference outside the House of Commons. “He’s taken a decision to continue the fight for all the causes that he’s championed here.” 

Boulerice, who was Quebec’s only remaining federal NDP MP, will run provincially for Québec Solidaire in the Gouin riding. 

At the press conference, Lewis showered Boulerice with praise, calling him a “beloved figure” and a “comrade” who supported other caucus members. 

When asked by a reporter if he’s done anything else to keep Boulerice in the party, Lewis said the move is unlike any of the other recent floor crossings from MPs. 

“This is a move of principle, where after 15 years in this House, he is going home to fight on the provincial level,” Lewis said. 

Lewis pointed out that Boulerice will be up against what he described as a decade of “brutal right-wing” governance in Quebec, citing attacks on workers’ rights, privatization on health care and the dismantling of rent control.  

Boulerice’s current federal riding of Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie has been in the NDP camp since 2011. 

Despite the NDP’s recent success there, Lewis said the party plans to work their “butts off” to maintain the seat.

A reporter also pressed Lewis on whether he’d consider running in the riding in a future byelection. He sidestepped, saying Quebecers should be represented by Quebecers. 

“I’m not a Quebecer and there’s a lot of interest already locally, and strengthening our local capacity at the riding level has been our singular focus,” Lewis said.