NDP's fate up for debate, critics point to party's existential crisis
I think that in time, we will get back to a two party system, that it will be a two-party system which will have a party right of centre and one left of centre.- NDP leader Tommy Douglas during the 1968 Leaders debate
Does Canada still need the NDP?
After the NDP's sound defeat in the last general election, there will be those wondering if the tme has finally arrived when we no longer need a third party.
It's an important question as the party faithful gathers in Edmonton. Delegates to the convention won't merely be weighing Tom Mulcair's future as the NDP's leader. There will also be much soul-searching about the NDP's purpose at a time when the Liberal party has usurped much of its progressive agenda.
The Current convened a panel of political strategists from across the spectrum to discuss the NDP's relevance to the future of Canadian politics.
Guests in this segment:
- Robin Sears, national director of the NDP and principal with the Earnscliffe Strategy Group.
- Brooke Jeffrey, professor of political science at Concordia University and former director of the Liberal Caucus Research Bureau.
- Gerry Nicholls, communications specialist, political commentator and columnist for the Hill Times.
Does Canada still need the NDP? Is Tom Mulcair the one to lead this party?
Let us know what you think. Find us on Facebook, on Twitter @TheCurrentCBC, or send us an email.
This segment was produced by The Current's Howard Goldenthal, Sujata Berry and Paula Last.