The Current What's the path forward for the federal NDP?
Mar 27, 2026
Pat Atkinson, former Saskatchewan cabinet minister with 25 years in the legislature, and Libby Davies, former long-serving Vancouver MP and interim party leader, debate the NDP's path forward. They discuss leadership contenders Avi Lewis and Heather McPherson. Topics include rebuilding after a poor result, prairie concerns about policy like LEAP, energizing young organizers, and strategies to broaden the party nationally.
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Party Down But Not Defunct
- The NDP faces a steep but recoverable climb after its worst federal result, not permanent extinction.
- Libby Davies argues strong caucus work and past recoveries show the party can rebuild into a major force.
Leadership Energy Fuels Renewal
- Leadership style matters as much as policy when rebuilding a party; energy and charisma can mobilize new supporters.
- Libby backs Avi Lewis because she sees his organizing energy and youth outreach as key to renewal.
Jack Layton Precedent For Unelected Leaders
- Being unelected is not a disqualifier for national leadership; Libby points to Jack Layton's path to leadership despite not being an MP at the time.
- She uses Jack Layton as a precedent to counter the argument against Avi Lewis's unelected status.