The Bloc Québécois is announcing a "major wind of change" with members choosing a new leader in the coming year.
Party caucus chair Louis Plamondon says believes that 2017 will prove crucial for the Bloc, which he says is in a good position to "take advantage of the Conservative and Liberal division of votes".
Recently, the Dean of the House of Commons congratulated the Bloc for "pushing back the government" of Justin Trudeau on the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act in Bill C-29.
The Bloc will hold their general council on February 4 in Boucherville to determine the terms of the leadership contest.
Louis Plamondon says he regrets that the interim leader, Rhéal Fortin, will not run, but recognizes that the possible candidacy of Martine Ouellet would be a strong frontrunner among the caucus.
"Mrs. Ouellet has a good reputation, she has experienced two races at the provincial leadership," he said. "She is also very knowledgeable about federal matters: she has always attended the Bloc's general councils."
"There are other people who are juggling the idea of running and would also make for very interesting candidates," he added.
The Bloc has to urgently prepare a $3 million election fund before the next federal election, which Plamondon says he is optimistic about.
"There are many cases where the Bloc is going to have a greater visibility that will allow it to increase its credibility and its necessity in Ottawa," he surmised.