The Paikin Podcast Everything Political: Does Canada Need the NDP Anymore?
Aug 28, 2025
This discussion features Don Davies, Interim leader of the NDP, alongside Tony Clement, former Conservative MP, and Martha Hall Findlay, former Liberal MP. They dive into the NDP's historic election struggles and whether the party should overhaul its approach. The trio debates the balance between identity politics and traditional class representation, emphasizing the need for the NDP to reconnect with its roots. They also reflect on the impact of political alliances and explore strategies for the NDP's revival amidst Canada’s evolving political landscape.
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Value Of A Multiparty System
- Don Davies argues Canada benefits from multiple national parties because they bring a broader range of ideas than a US-style two-party system.
- He says the NDP's core niche is representing working people and marginalized voices distinct from Liberals and Conservatives.
Economic Anxiety Drove Voter Shifts
- Martha Hall Findlay agrees multiple parties are valuable and notes voters moved to parties they thought would protect jobs and livelihoods.
- She frames the NDP's poor result as a strategic and messaging failure rather than pure ideological rejection.
Class Versus Identity Tension
- Tony Clement and Don Davies debate whether the NDP shifted from class-based politics to identity issues and lost resonance with workers.
- Don concedes the NDP may have misbalanced class and intersectional issues and needs to reassess that mix.