Will the New Democratic Party ever form a federal government in Canada?

Question

If so, when might it happen? If not, what would its ultimate fate be? Thought-out opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Actually, I live in the United States, but I like to follow Canadian politics. I am simply curious as to what people might think will happen. Social commentary is not needed, but feel free to either vent or promote (although that doesn't help in analysis).

Answer 1

Won't happen -- and I say this as a long-time NDP supporter. The NDP 's moderate tendencies are often overridden by the radical leftist members from Toronto and Vancouver. Their policies alienate so many voters that broad electoral success just isn't "in the cars".

There are two NDPs,really: the populist, slightly left-of-centre liberal NDPs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the much more idealistic and unrealistic NDPs in Ontario and elsewhere. The BC NDP swings between the two extremes.

Nationally, my best guess is that the moderate New Democrats on the Prairies eventually will move to the Liberal party,while the far leftists in Toronto will gravitate to the Green Party or the militant labour party that some unionists are perpetually vowing to set up -- but never do.

Darned fine question. Twas fun answering it.

Answer 2

Like the USA, Canada is basically a capitalist country. Socialists have their work cut out for them before they can convince Canadians.
However the New Democratic party has been very effective in keeping the necessity of social policies before the capitalistic parties who do govern, especially when we have had minority governments. One great example is our medicare program, with all its faults. It is a triumph of socialist policy within a capitalist system.
While I don't see the NDP taking power in the next 10 or 15 years, I think it would be very refreshing if they did have a term or two in office. Never again could the other parties follow the 'me, myself, and I' policies that please the wealthy.
I do wish the NDP would concentrate more on economic social policies - they unfortunately get sidetracked by issues such as gay marriage, etc. Also, they tend to be anti-militaristic - and have a point, but I think we need a strong military as a deterrent.
In any case none of the parties has it all right. That is why I'd like to see them have their turn. Create a bit of balance in our system.
I give them about 20 more years (wishful thinking?) and they might come to power.
We have had surprises however. Nobody expected a separaatist party to ever come to power in Quebec, and it happened very suddenly - and overwhelmingly - with Rene Levesque.

Answer 3

If you are lucky then those socialist lib-tards will never hold ANY elected office in Canada...

Note the following from their web site: The New Democratic Party was founded in 1961, bringing together the Prairie-based Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and the unions of the Canadian Labour Congress. In its constitution, the party advocates "the application of democratic socialist principles to government and the administration of public affairs."

Now I ask you, is this the sort of scum you want in charge of your country?

Answer 4

Canada will always be a confederacy until the next world war. Unfortunately, that will either be nuclear or the Rapture. Canada, although lacking military strength and other things that are top priority on the "American" list of expenditures has no desire to unify itself and end its confederacy. There is no reason to change what is currently in place because some current ideas may feel strongly about it. As anti-US as they may seem, Canada relies heavily upon us to act as their "big brother" and protect them from the foreign powers that might attack, added to the fact that "who really wants a piece of Canada?" There is very little terrorism threat there (probably like faint yellow if you're going by color) and no need to change the politics because quite simply, its all working. They have used their confederacy to help them in trade, and it has worked so well that their currency is gaining value, close to ours. I don't think anyone will form a federal government in Canada in the near future.