What is the future of the New Democratic Party?

Heather McPherson, one of the few members of the NDP re-elected to Canadian Parliament, asks what her party needs to do. Here are my thoughts.

Prince George, BC, July 28, 2025/Troy Media/ - In a recent social media post, Heather McPherson, one of the few members of the New Democratic Party re-elected to Canadian Parliament in 2025, acknowledged that her party had tried to play it safe and had clearly lost the trust of voters. She then said, “I want you to tell me … what you want to see us do differently, what we need to do to be better, and what we need to do to make sure that you see yourself in our party in the next election.”

The reasons outlined for the fall of the NDP by McPherson are quite accurate. Despite bringing about improvements to healthcare, Jagmeet Singh’s NDP did little to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Canadians. It is interesting to note, however, that the seven NDP candidates who were elected are advocates for Palestinian rights. Canadians are horrified by the images they are seeing in their newsfeeds, and the NDP is listening. This is significant as we move forward, especially when the Liberals continue to allow weapons shipments to Israel and the Conservatives seem to feel no empathy for dying Palestinian children, repeating ad nauseum, “We stand with Israel.”

Where else can the NDP look for a model of effective leadership as it seeks a way to rebuild? One is the success of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who recently trounced mainstream corporate candidate Andew Cuomo in the Democratic Party primary election. With a much smaller budget, Mamdani was able to mobilize an army of volunteers, and his social democratic platform earned the confidence of many first-time voters.

If one looks at Mamdani’s platform, one will see many consistencies with successful NDP platforms in Canada. Mamdani’s charisma recalls that of NDP leaders like Tommy Douglas and Jack Layton. Voters recognize when politicians have their best interests at heart and when leaders will put their necks on the line for what they believe in. As premier of Saskatchewan, Douglas not only introduced universal healthcare, he greatly improved the province’s infrastructure and improved the quality of life for all citizens. Layton’s life was sadly cut short by cancer; however, he was instrumental in bringing about Canada’s apology for the horrors our residential school system wrought upon Indigenous children and communities. His discourse in Parliament on the day of the official apology in 2008 leaves no doubt about his compassion for people who are treated unjustly and his determination to make Canada a better country.

In an age of growing economic inequality and disillusionment with politicians who seem more compelled by the interests of corporate donors than ordinary voters, it should be easy for the NDP to create a platform that speaks to regular Canadians. Young people cannot afford to buy homes not only because housing is expensive, but also because they are saddled with large debts for post-secondary education. Canadians are also increasingly frustrated by growing income inequality and would like to see higher taxes on wealthy individuals.

In choosing a new leader, the decision makers in the NDP need to make sure that average Canadians have a voice. Efforts to block activist Yves Engler from the race, for example, could prove quite costly. Engler has ideas that appeal to a growing number of Canadians who would be unlikely to support the party if they are ignored.

The NDP also needs to be creative in building its appeal to Canadians. It could, for example, reach out to the Green Party of Canada to potentially unify and build a strong, shared platform.

I greatly appreciate Heather McPherson and acknowledge that she is one of the most principled members of Canada’s Parliament. Her appeal to Canadians is sincere, and it merits honest reflection.

Hopefully the NDP can return to its roots, earn the trust of Canadians once again, and build the country that Jack Layton and Tommy Douglas dreamed of.