Byelection win: Bloc Québécois to squeeze Liberals for gains, not trigger election

The Bloc Québécois leader says he's in no hurry to trigger a federal election and will instead stick with his plan to extract gains from the minority Liberal government.

Yves-François Blanchet made the comments to reporters today after his party's stunning byelection victory in the former Liberal stronghold of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, in Montreal's southwest.

Blanchet says the NDP's decision to end its agreement with the Liberals that had propped up the minority government gave his party the momentum it needed to win the riding by just 248 votes.

With the victory, which was announced early this morning, the Bloc has 33 seats that when coupled with the Liberals' 154 seats create a majority in Parliament.

Blanchet says he will evaluate what the Bloc can gain from the Liberals in exchange for his party's support, adding that among its demands is more money for seniors.

Bloc candidate Louis-Philippe Sauvé won the LaSalle—Émard—Verdun riding with 28 per cent of the vote, holding off the Liberals and NDP in a tight race.

Blanchet says the victory — which gives the Bloc its second seat on the Island of Montreal — demonstrates that voters have options outside of the Liberals.