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The week began on a high for the New Democratic Party, but in the few days since its sweeping victory, a number of public relations gaffes have played into the hands of critics, skeptical of the party’s ability to transition from third party to Official Opposition status with an especially young and inexperienced caucus.

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Early Thursday morning, the youngest MP in Canadian history, 19-year-old Pierre-Luc Dusseault raised eyebrows after an interview on the John Oakley Morning Show, in which he asserted the issue of Quebec’s role in Canada remains open and that the newly increased representation Quebec has in parliament will be reflected in the way the province relates to the rest if Canada.

“The NDP and I respect sovereignty,” said the MP-elect who represents the Sherbrooke riding in Quebec. “Sovereignty will be done in Quebec. Quebecers will decide if they want to be a country.”

Since its sweeping victory in Monday’s election, observers have wondered how the surge in Quebec representation will affect dynamics within government. Dr. Kathy Brock, associate professor of political studies at Queen’s University, said support for separatism in La Belle Province has not dipped below 30%. NDP voters in Quebec were seduced by the Orange Crush because of its social democratic values, she said, rather than diminished interests in the sovereignty of the province.