The former MP, once underestimated, is back in Berthier–Maskinongé—and she’s not here to play the part

She went from an underdog paper candidate who missed her own campaign to a two-time MP who held one of Quebec’s most unpredictable ridings — and now, Ruth Ellen Brosseau is staging a political comeback.

Once dubbed “Vegas Girl” by headlines during her shocking 2011 win, Brosseau has been re-nominated by the New Democratic Party to run in Berthier–Maskinongé, a seat she held for two terms before narrowly losing in 2019 and again in 2021.

So, who is Ruth Ellen Brosseau today — and why is her return stirring interest once more?

The “Vegas Girl” Origin Story

Brosseau first gained national attention in 2011, not for campaigning, but for not campaigning.

At 27, she was working at a campus pub in Ottawa and raising her son when the NDP approached her to stand in for another candidate. She agreed — and then left the country mid-campaign for a pre-booked birthday trip to Las Vegas.

She didn’t knock doors. She wasn’t fluent in French. She’d never even visited the riding she was running in.

But when Jack Layton’s NDP wave swept Quebec, Brosseau won — securing nearly 40% of the vote and ousting a seasoned Bloc Québécois MP. The message from voters was loud and clear: they were voting for something new, even if it came from an unexpected place.

“I never doubted my obligation to represent them,” Brosseau told Chatelaine in 2015. “I wanted their votes to matter, and I wanted to do them justice.”

From Novice to NDP Leader in the House

What began as an accidental win quickly turned into a serious career.

Fluent in French within months (thanks to intensive tutoring), Brosseau proved herself on Parliament Hill and in her riding. By 30, she was vice-chair of the NDP caucus, official critic for agriculture and agrifood, and later appointed House Leader under Jagmeet Singh.

She was re-elected in 2015 with an even larger margin but lost her seat in 2019 and narrowly again in 2021.

“Elbowgate” and an Unexpected Media Storm

In 2016, Brosseau became an unexpected focal point of controversy when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau elbowed her in the chest during a heated moment in the House of Commons.

While attempting to move a colleague past a group of MPs, Trudeau accidentally struck Brosseau, triggering an outcry later dubbed “Elbowgate.”

“In my haste, I did not pay attention to my surroundings,” Trudeau said in an apology. Brosseau accepted, though the incident became a viral flashpoint in political media.

A Life Beyond Politics — And A Comeback Rooted in Community

Since leaving Parliament, Brosseau has largely stayed out of the spotlight. She spent the last few years working on her partner’s farm in Yamachiche, Quebec, reconnecting with rural life and the challenges of agriculture — an issue she once championed on the Hill.

She also inspired the 2023 French-language TV drama La Candidate, where a fictional single mother stumbles into politics and wins against the odds — sound familiar?

Why She’s Running Again — And Why It Matters Now

In her return to the political fray, Brosseau says the decision was driven by urgency, not nostalgia.

“I couldn’t sit on my hands,” she said in a statement. “I know what producers and businesses in the region are going through. It’s important to defend them and improve their quality of life.”

Her re-entry comes as Jagmeet Singh’s NDP tries to reignite its presence in Quebec, a province once pivotal to its success.

Full Circle: Can Brosseau Win Back the Riding?

Once mocked for being a symbol of protest voting, Brosseau is now a seasoned candidate with rural credibility, a track record on agriculture, and deep knowledge of the region.

And in a political climate where voter frustration and economic uncertainty are surging, her grassroots appeal and resilience may resonate more now than ever.

Election day is April 28 — and all eyes will be on whether the comeback kid of 2011 can make her way back to Ottawa.

Gregor Robertson draws parallels between rising populist energy and pandemic-era unrest as campaign heats up on the West Coast

As election day nears, the tone of political discourse is getting sharper — and so are the comparisons.

Speaking to reporters in Delta, B.C., Gregor Robertson, former Vancouver mayor and now Liberal candidate for Vancouver Fraserview–South Burnaby, made headlines by drawing a direct line between Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s massive campaign rallies and the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests.

“It’s a political rally, yes — but it’s deeply aligned with the same energy we saw in the truck convoy,” Robertson said.

Crowds Swell on the Right — and Draw Liberal Criticism

Robertson’s remarks came after Poilievre drew thousands to a rally in Edmonton, claiming over 15,000 attendees. RCMP estimates placed the number closer to 9,000–12,000, but either way, the size of the gatherings is commanding national attention.

In contrast, Liberal rallies — though energized — have been smaller and often announced last-minute, party officials say. The Richmond rally hosted by Liberal Leader Mark Carney saw about 2,000 people in the main room, with another 400 in overflow.

“The energy in the room was fantastic,” Robertson said. “But at the end of the day, people will make their decision quietly at home.”

Rally or Protest? A Matter of Perspective

When pressed by reporters on his protest comparison, Robertson clarified that while the events are political rallies, the underlying tone of government resentment at many Poilievre events bears resemblance to the Freedom Convoy movement that paralyzed parts of Ottawa in 2022.

“There’s shared resentment toward government in general that’s expressed at these rallies — here in Canada, south of the border, and around the world,” he said.

Still, Robertson insisted that this, too, is part of a healthy democracy.

“People can show up and express themselves. That’s the nature of democracy. We encourage that in Canada.”

Western Alienation? Robertson Pushes Back

Robertson also took aim at recent comments by former Reform Party leader Preston Manning, who warned that a re-elected Liberal government would further alienate Western Canadians.

“Absolutely not,” said Robertson. “What I’m hearing in Vancouver is strong support for Carney’s plan — especially in standing up to Trump’s tariffs and protecting Canadian jobs.”

He emphasized that while Poilievre’s messaging might resonate with some, it’s not connecting on the West Coast the way it might elsewhere.

Campaign Trail Continues

After a busy three-day swing through British Columbia, Carney flew east to Calgary, where he held another rally that drew approximately 2,300 attendees, inside and outside the venue.

With just weeks to go before the April 28 federal election, the campaign is sharpening — not just in crowd size, but in the narratives parties are using to define one another.

As election day nears, Gladu’s absence sparks conversation while rivals share bold visions at Rotary-hosted forum

With less than a month until election day, the political stage in Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong was missing a familiar face Tuesday evening. Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, who has represented the region since 2015, opted out of an all-candidates forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Sarnia, citing scheduling demands tied to riding redistribution.

The meeting, attended by approximately 60 local voters and six other candidates, provided a platform for spirited discussion — but Gladu’s absence didn’t go unnoticed.

“I would have loved to have Marilyn here,” said Rotary Club President Jamie Pole. “I think everyone would have liked to hear from her.”

Why Gladu Wasn’t There

In a message to organizers, Gladu explained that her campaign is focused on connecting with new constituents added through the recent riding redistribution, which she says has doubled the geographical area and added 20,000 new residents.

“We have to focus on trying to get to know the new part of the riding,” she told media following the event.

Gladu noted she plans to attend several upcoming forums, including:

• Lambton Federation of Agriculture event in Wyoming (Wednesday)
• Chamber of Commerce debate next week
• All-candidates meeting in Petrolia later this month

“I’ve done 25 debates in the last three campaigns,” Gladu added. “Everybody knows what I think on nearly every issue there is.”

Candidates Share Contrasting Visions

Despite her absence, the conversation on Tuesday evening was robust and reflective of the diverse political spectrum.

Liberal Candidate George Vandenberg

Struck a unifying tone:

“Canada is not broken. And we will not be broken. We must work together and act on our core values.”

Libertarian Candidate Jacques Boudreau

Criticized overregulation:

“We’re drowning in red tape. Liberal policies have tanked the economy with Soviet-style planning and climate extremism.”

PPC Candidate Brian Everaert

Pushed for industry-first policy:

“We need jobs, not handouts. Let’s invest in petrochemicals, not regulation.”

Christian Heritage Candidate Mark Lamore

Emphasized accountability and faith:

“We’ve had 100 elections, but no change. Until we look seriously at governance, nothing improves.”

Rhinoceros Party Candidate Anthony Mitchell

Highlighted voter apathy:

“Not voting isn’t rebellion — it’s indifference. And it tells government you’re not paying attention.”

NDP Candidate Lo-Anne Chan

Pitched a people-first vision:

“We want to be seen and valued. The NDP will always fight for a government that cares for its people.”

What’s Next?

With election day set for April 28, candidates are entering the final leg of their campaigns. As the riding’s dynamics shift with redistribution, voters are eager to hear directly from those seeking to represent them.

Whether Gladu’s strategy of prioritizing new voters will resonate — or whether her absence at local forums will cost her — remains to be seen.