#julia sanchez

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh ventured into his predecessor's former territory on Saturday as he campaigned in Montreal's Outremont riding ahead of several federal byelections expected to take place early next year.

Singh shook hands and chatted in French as he visited local businesses alongside NDP candidate Julia Sanchez.

The riding was vacated earlier this year by former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, whose 2007 byelection victory represented a breakthrough for the NDP in Quebec.

Mulcair went on to win the riding three more times before leaving politics to take a teaching job.

Despite the NDP's past success in Outremont, the party could be facing a challenge once the byelection is called.

The seeds of the NDP's 'Orange Wave' in Quebec were planted with Tom Mulcair's 2007 breakthrough in the Montreal riding of Outremont. Julia Sanchez wants to keep it in the NDP's column.

Sanchez, a political novice with a background in the humanitarian sector, will be the party's candidate for Mulcair's seat when a byelection is called, likely later this fall.

The riding has had symbolic meaning for New Democrats in Quebec ever since Mulcair won the traditionally Liberal fortress over a decade ago. That's increasing the pressure on the party to hold Outremont when a new vote is held.

A newcomer to politics, Sanchez said that she knows she has big shoes to fill — those of an experienced MP with a high profile in Quebec politics.

"I am very aware that it will not be easy. It doesn't scare me. I am someone who is used to taking on big challenges," said Sanchez in an interview with Radio-Canada.

From this little ask thingie which you should totally send me one if you are reading this, here's Julia in her NERD COSTUME!!!!!! I've never watched Avatar before, ha ha ha ha haaaaa, but here she is as Sokka because someone told me to do that! ;D

OMG what a nerd, I can't even deal with her, she's so cute!!!

THANK YOU ANON FOR SENDING THIS IN, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!! You get me, man, Julia is perf for 13!!!!