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The Decibel

What lies ahead for the NDP and Jagmeet Singh

Apr 24, 2025
Gary Mason, a national affairs columnist at the Globe and Mail, dives into the NDP's precarious position ahead of the federal election. He discusses Jagmeet Singh's efforts to navigate declining support and the party's strategic missteps. The conversation reveals a troubling disconnection between leadership and grassroots members, as well as contrasts between provincial successes and federal struggles. Lastly, Mason highlights the risks of a two-party system, stressing the necessity of diverse political voices in Canada's future.
24:18

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The NDP's declining support, now around 8%, raises critical concerns about its future viability and official status in Canadian politics.
  • Jagmeet Singh’s leadership has been challenged by low voter engagement and a focus on social change over electoral success, alienating some members.

Deep dives

Declining Support for the NDP

The NDP has seen a significant decline in support over the past decade, with national polling figures dropping to around 8%. In 2011, the party celebrated over 100 seats, but recent elections have diminished their presence, with only 25 seats in the last parliament. Current projections indicate a potential disaster, with some polls suggesting they could secure as few as three or four seats in the upcoming election. Such a loss would jeopardize the party's official status, which requires a minimum of 12 seats, impacting their funding and resources.

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