The Bloc Québécois is a federal political party that runs candidates only in Quebec, advocating for Quebec's interests in Parliament and historically supporting Quebec sovereignty (independence from Canada). Founded in 1991 by Lucien Bouchard after the failure of the Meech Lake Accord, the Bloc has elected MPs in every federal election since. While sovereignty has become less central to its platform over time, the party continues to promote Quebec nationalism, defend provincial jurisdictions against federal encroachment, and advocate for Quebec's distinct identity. The Bloc cannot form government since it only runs in one province, but it has held Official Opposition status and influences federal politics when it holds significant seats.