the seats they were expected to take in the Montrgie and in Chaudire-Appalaches and two of the three PQ floor-crossers they could boast as incumbents were defeated by their former parties. A big wave might have given the CAQ a chance at a minority government but even a small one would have benefited the party considerably. The CAQ won the seats they were absolutely expected to, but will need to make gains in the Montreal suburbs and in the rural parts of Quebec south of the St. Lawrence River if Mr. Legault is to move up the table from third place. Qubec Solidaire -- Growth, but at what cost? Considering that Qubec Solidaire had only one MNA when the election was called and took less than 4 per cent of the vote in 2008, their performance last night was more than adequate. Both of their co-leaders will now be able to represent the party in the National Assembly, and Qubec Solidaire put up some very strong numbers in a handful of other ridings. There is no reason to doubt that QS could take a third or fourth seat by the time the next election rolls around. But the ideal scenario for Qubec Solidaire would have been to hold the balance of power. As the PQ only won 54 seats, nine short of a majority, the combined support of Amir Khadir and Franoise David will do very little to help Ms. Marois govern. Along with Option Nationale, Qubec Solidaire is a