Qubec Solidaire replaces PQ as second opposition party

Qubec Solidaire has officially overtaken the Parti Qubcois as the second opposition party in the provincial legislature.

Franois Paradis, the president of the National Assembly, announced the decision Wednesday morning.

Qubec Solidairehad asked Paradis to reconsider the ranking of the partiesafter MNA Catherine Fournier left the PQ last week, saying it was beyond saving.

Losing the 26-year-old politician, who was the critic for the condition of women,brought the PQ's seat total to nine.Qubec Solidaire has 10.

The PQ had argued it should keep its current status because it came in one percentage point ahead of QS in the popular vote in last October's election 17 per cent to Qubec Solidaire's 16.

Theranking of opposition parties determines how much time they get to ask questions in the legislature.

The CAQ holds a majority in the National Assembly, with the Quebec Liberal Party serving as Official Opposition.