New Democratic Party

Overview

The New Democratic Party, usually called the NDP, is Canada's main left-wing party. It grew out of the labour and social democratic movements and campaigns for expanded public services, workers' rights, and a stronger social safety net. It has never formed a national government but has often held influence, particularly in minority parliaments.

The party has governed several provinces and helped shape national policy, most famously by pressing for the introduction of public healthcare. After the 2025 federal election it lost official party status and was led on an interim basis while it rebuilt.

History

The NDP was founded in 1961 through an alliance of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and the Canadian Labour Congress. Its first leader, Tommy Douglas, had earlier introduced public healthcare in Saskatchewan, a model later adopted nationwide.

The party reached its federal high point in 2011, when it became the official opposition under Jack Layton. Under Jagmeet Singh from 2017 it supported Liberal minority governments through a confidence agreement. At the 2025 election the party lost heavily, falling below the threshold for official party status, and Singh resigned after losing his own seat.

Economic Policy

The NDP supports a strong role for government in the economy. It favours higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, expanded public services including pharmacare and dental care, stronger labour protections, and public investment in housing and green energy. It is generally critical of corporate concentration and emphasises affordability for working people.

Social Policy

The party is firmly progressive. It supports LGBT rights, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, a welcoming immigration policy, and expanded civil rights. It emphasises social justice, equality, and public provision as central to its identity.

Foreign Policy

The NDP favours diplomacy, human rights, and international cooperation, and it has often been more sceptical than other parties of military interventions and large defence commitments. It supports development aid and a foreign policy grounded in multilateral institutions.

Where They Stand

• Supports higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations
• Backs expanded public services such as pharmacare and dental care
• Champions stronger labour protections and workers' rights
• Emphasises reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Supports public investment in housing and green energy
• Favours diplomacy and is cautious about military commitments

Electoral Record

The party became the official opposition for the first time in 2011 and held significant influence during Liberal minority governments after 2019. The 2025 election was a severe setback, costing it official party status and prompting a leadership transition and rebuild.

Position on the Political Compass

New Democratic Party sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.

These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.

Key Figures

Sources and Further Reading

• New Democratic Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
• Official party websitendp.ca
• 2025 Canadian federal election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org

Other Canada Parties