LaSalle—Émard—Verdun (Quebec) 155/338

 LaSalle—Émard—Verdun (Quebec)

Today we're in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun!

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution. The population of the riding was 107,564 in 2021. The riding is in the city of Montreal, and has parts of the boroughs of Verdun, LaSalle, and Le Sud-Ouest. The riding was initially going to be named LaSalle—Verdun.

Politically, this seat is not as safe as it used to be. From 1988-2008, the seat was represented by prominent cabinet member and prime minister Paul Martin, who from 1993-2004 won with more than 55% of the vote. Recently, flipped the seat in 2011, losing the seat in 2015, but still kept 29% of the vote. The Liberals haven't had more than 44% of the vote since 2008. Still a relatively safe seat, but could be a concern with an NDP or Bloc rise. This seat is currently held by Liberal MP and Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti.

Provincially, these seats are under similar circumstances. Verdun was won with just 35.5% of the vote, with Quebec Solidaire receiving 23.9% of the vote and the CAQ not far behind them. Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne (Quebec Liberal leader Dominique Anglade holds this seat) was a little wider of a margin, but still saw a considerable QS rise. Verdun is likely a QS and CAQ target, with Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne being a little out of reach. In 2019, this seat was 41/78 in Quebec and 184/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, boroughs are the conventional wisdom in Montreal. The shape is okay, but I can't get over the top notch (I know it's part of Le Sud-Ouest, don't come for me). As for individuality, this seat has acted similar to the surrounding south shore ridings, but cabinet representation is cool.

Tomorrow we'll be north in Laurentides—Labelle!