The federal New Democratic Party (NDP) is facing an existential crisis after being reduced to just five seats in the House of Commons. Following a disastrous election where the party captured only seven seats and 6.29% of the popular vote, the NDP has lost official party status. Since then, former NDP MP Lori Idlout has defected to the Liberals, and on Monday, Alexandre Boulerice, the party's sole Quebec MP, is expected to announce his resignation to run for Quebec Solidaire in the provincial election. This will leave the NDP without a single seat east of Manitoba.
Rapid Decline
In less than a year, the NDP has lost 28% of its caucus. Boulerice's departure comes despite pleas from newly elected leader Avi Lewis to stay. This marks a dramatic fall from the party's peak under the late Jack Layton in 2011, when it won 103 seats, 30.6% of the popular vote, and became the official opposition. Since then, the party has steadily declined, culminating in last year's election debacle.
Impact on Liberals
Ironically, the NDP's collapse may benefit the Mark Carney Liberal government. The Conservatives need a strong NDP to split the left-leaning vote and win elections. The last Conservative victory was in 2011, when the NDP was at its strongest. A weakened NDP plays into Liberal hands, allowing them to consolidate progressive support.
With Lewis elected without a seat and no federal election imminent, the party has an opportunity to reflect on its irrelevance to most voters. Lewis has signaled a desire to move the party further left, even as Carney shifts the Liberals to the right. Whether this strategy can revive the NDP remains uncertain.
